A FLEDGLING glamping venture has been recognised among its peers as a stellar performer.

Wigwam Holidays, at Moorgate Farm, in Dinckley, has only been going for two years.

But it scooped the top honour in the new business enterprise category in the Ribble Valley Stars in Tourism awards.

And the Langho area outfit is not resting on its laurels, with the announcement that they have now added two more cabins and a hot tub.

Co-owner Martyn McDonnell said: "We are so delighted at the news.

"We've been in business for just under two years, so this is great recognition for the hard work that goes into Wigwam Holidays."

He says that they now have eight cabins at their disposal, with views of the same Pendle Hill landscape which inspired Lord of the Rings author J R R Tolkien.

Their success was sparked off by local LEADER funding, designed to foster such diversification efforts, and Martin has been keen to give credit to the likes of Lancashire County Council, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and Rural Development Programme for England, for their combined assistance.

He has also entered into his own philanthropic effort, sponsoring Ribchester Rovers' under-12s side.

"As a local business, we use a number of businesses based near to our site and we also keen to support the local community where possible," added Martyn.

The world of glamping in East Lancashire has been flourishing in recent times.

Businessman Ian Robinson unveiled proposals, earlier this year, for 10 timber cabins, for land off Old Road, Great Harwood.

The outline bid is for half an acre of pasture land at Black Leach Farm, close to Dean Clough Reservoir.

Rossendale Holiday Cottages, based in Dean Lane, Water, which has been around since 2014, is also looking to add subterranean accomodation to the eight pods situated there.

Browsholme Hall in Clitheroe have also seen pods constructed in the grounds of the popular venue.