AN outstanding holiday venue in Winkleigh that uses renewable energy has been selected as a finalist of the national VisitEngland awards.

Wheatland Farm has three self-catering eco lodges and a holiday cottage, which are powered entirely using renewable energy.

The business has been listed as a finalist in the sustainable tourism category. The news comes after Wheatland Farm was given the gold award for sustainable tourism in the South West Tourism Excellence Awards earlier this year.

Owner Maggie Watson said: 'I think it's how we combine energy reduction and production that impressed the judges. We've slashed energy use by 73% compared to projections from five years ago.

'And now we're net energy producers, because our eleven-kilowatt wind turbine is generating more than the business uses.

'But it's not just energy and cost-cutting, it's about showing how looking after Devon's wildlife pleases the visitors, but also turns a profit.'

The farm is one of three finalists for Devon, and one of ten across the South West region to have been shortlisted.

Robin Barker, from the awards organisers Services for Tourism, said: 'We will have to wait until May 22 to find out what they've won, but they are all worthy winners and I wish them all my congratulations and best wishes.'

The electricity for the properties at Wheatland Farm is generated using an eleven-kilowatt wind turbine. If the wind is not blowing, the lodges and cottage are powered with electricity from Good Energy, a 100% renewable electricity company. The lodges are of Scandinavian design, meaning they also remain well insulated. Water is heated using solar energy, and the cottage has a wood-burning stove, with all logs taken from Wheatland's managed woodland.

To reduce emissions, guests can borrow bicycles free of charge. Recycling is also key at Wheatland, with food waste put into biodigesters, and most other waste, including paper, glass, cans and plastics recycled.

The farm's 21 acres of land are carefully managed for the area's wildlife.

The awards take place in Leicester on May 22. The farm is guaranteed to receive either a gold, silver, bronze or highly commended award.