IT already boasts one of the best places to eat in the district, but now Pidley has officially been named as the home of the best camp site in England. Stroud Hill Park has been crowned the England and Overall Winner of the AA Best Campsite of the Year 20

IT already boasts one of the best places to eat in the district, but now Pidley has officially been named as the home of the best camp site in England.

Stroud Hill Park has been crowned the England and Overall Winner of the AA Best Campsite of the Year 2008.

The award follows the success of the site's Barn Restaurant, named restaurant of the year in The Hunts Post food and drink awards 2007.

Built from scratch in 2003, Stroud Hill Park was created by David Newman and his wife Jayne.

It has 60 pitches and is run by seven full-time employees, including site managers Julie and Jamie Rant, and 20 part-time workers.

The AA guide describes the park as "outstanding in every respect" and oozing "exceptional quality". It adds: "It more than meets the expectations of the most discerning campers and caravanners."

Mr Newman said: "I cannot believe we have won this - I am so pleased. The AA grades more than 1,000 parks and rated ours as being the best.

"I was astounded when we were shortlisted and to win is just fantastic.

"We are unique in that we provide people with the kind of facilities they would expect to find in a five-star hotel and our ban on children means the surroundings are kept peaceful." The facilities include a large rustic-style building which houses the toilets, bar, shop, café and reception.

Also inside the building is the award-winning Barn Restaurant. The site's facilities include a tennis court and fishing lake while the staff organise themed events, such as wine weekends.

"We are not a big site. We keep things small and keep our standards high," said Mr Newman.

INFORMATION: To find out more about Stroud Hill Park, phone 01487 741333 or visit www.stroudhillpark.co.uk