A Kendal based travel agent has been named the best in the north west of England.

Gates Travel, based on Library Road, won Agency of the Year for the region at the Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers (ATAS) awards ceremony.

The event took place last week on October 10-11 at the Titanic hotel in Liverpool during ATAS' annual conference.

Nicola Williams, Groups and Events Co-Ordinator for Gates Travel, said: "We are really excited to have won this award because it was a gathering of some of the most elite travel companies in the north west.

"When our name was announced as the winner of the agency of the year award we couldn't believe it and were absolutely thrilled."

The awards recognise agents who have showcased touring and adventure holidays in the most innovative or successful ways.

"It feels wonderful to have been recognised by holiday companies for our hard work," Ms Williams added.

"We love supporting quality suppliers who provide amazing experiences for our customers, which is at the heart of everything we do."

She highlighted how the achievement was made even more special because of the 'stiff competition' they were up against.

The company has been running for nearly 90 years, following its official establishment in 1932.

The team work with people from all parts of the UK and they pride themselves on their independent service that allows them to cater to specific needs.

Ms Williams explained: "These are exciting times at Gates Travel, as we look to build on our success.

"We have just launched a new venture which will see us operating intriguing group departures to some amazing destinations in Europe and Worldwide, exclusively for our own customers.

"In addition to this, we are hoping to have an exclusive coach holiday running from Kendal to a lovely seaside resort in the UK in the Springtime, as well as some fascinating destination events and evenings."