A FAMILY-run holiday park on the north Lancashire coast has scooped the highest possible accolade for a UK camping and caravanning site.

The AA has awarded its coveted 5-Pennant Platinum rating to the scenic Holgates Caravan Park at Silverdale.

Overlooking Morecambe Bay and set amid 100 acres of woodland and countryside, the Cove Road site is the flagship of the Holgate family company set up in 1956.

It is now just one of three parks to hold the Platinum title in the North of England, including Skelwith Fold, near Ambleside - and one of fewer than 30 across the country.

Among the features which impressed the AA inspector were the "labour of love" landscaping and the "impressive stainless steel pagoda with bench seat" built as a memorial to former owner, the late Frank Holgate.

The inspector said: “I am sure he would be very proud of the way his legacy has progressed with ever increasing quality and facilities to enhance the customer experience.”

Mr Holgate's son, Michael, said he was delighted the AA had given "a clean sweep" of five-star reviews across all its locations.

“The AA ratings have always been a barometer of quality," he said, "and for our flagship park at Silverdale to now be part of an exclusive group of 5-Pennant Platinum parks is tremendous.

"It’s a badge of honour to be the best park in Lancashire, and one we’ll wear with pride while continuing to exceed customer expectations.”

Holgates' holiday parks include the flagship site at Silverdale; Bay View, Bolton-le-Sands; Hollins Farm, Far Arnside; Silver Ridge, Hale; and Netherbeck, Carnforth.