Trethem Mill Touring Park is absolutely delighted and very proud to announce that it has won the National Gold title "Caravan Park of the Year" with the enjoyEngland Excellence Awards 2010. The award was announced at a glittering ceremony held on St George's Day in the historic Dome and Corn Exchange in Brighton. The annual black-tie gala celebrates the very best of English tourism and the judges were looking for a Park that has boosted business by making the most of their distinctive appeal. The awards are now in their 21st year and aim to promote healthy competition within the industry and also to drive up standards to ensure England's place as a world-class tourism destination.

Alistair Handyside, chairman of South West Tourism, described all the winners as "exceptional businesses" who deserve the national recognition. "These businesses have kept driving forward despite any uncertainties they may have faced and have not compromised on the quality of their businesses" he said.

The ceremony, sponsored by The Caravan Club, was hosted by the comedian and author Tony Hawks who paid tribute to all the winners. "These awards play such an important part in developing the quality of our tourism industry today and ensuring that people holidaying in this country will go home with an exceptional experience that will stay with them for ever."

Guests were greeted by the strains of a local jazz band performing on stilts, and were served were served Plumpton Estate "The Dean" Brut NV, a sparkling wine produced by students at Plumpton College, East Sussex. At the Corn Exchange dinner was prepared by caterers Due South and included locally sourced fish and chips, lamb reared in the nearby village of Ditchling and, in keeping with the seaside theme, a dessert of Knickerbocker Glory. The grand finale was laid on by the Sussex Clatteratti drummers, who have appeared at venues across Europe, including the Royal Albert Hall and Glastonbury, and whose explosive act is noisy, loud and full of rhythmic percussion. What better way to beat the drum for English tourism?