A Cotswold holiday home rentals business has achieved record annual results.

StayCotswold, based in Stow-on-the-Wold, delivered more than 9,000 bookings in the year to March, a rise of 46% on the previous 12 months, and a 45% increase in gross booking value.

Its portfolio of properties includes cottages, houses, luxury converted barns, manor houses and farmhouses, as well as a growing collection of shepherd's huts.

The portfolio grew by 43% in the year to March and currently stands at 231, of which 145 are dog-friendly properties.

Managing director Tom Burdett said there has been a significant rise in the number of holiday homes which accept dogs, in response to demand from guests who want to bring their four-legged friends.

He said: "Customers booking smaller properties tend to be couples and families going away, and it also makes sense for them to bring their pet, rather than paying kennel fees or finding a dog sitter.

"The Cotswolds are renowned for being dog-friendly, so people love to bring their pets here, as they are welcome in many shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs.

"We recommend that our owners allow dogs and accepting them can increase booking volumes. More and more have opted to go down this route over the past year."