Manor by the Lake in Cheltenham has won "Best Wedding Venue in the Country".

The event saw over 500 wedding suppliers from across the UK gather at the Wedding Industry Awards in London.

Manor by the Lake was established in 2013 by local entrepreneur Michael Chittenden and his partner Tammy Madge, who turned the run-down Victorian mansion into an exclusive setting that hosts over 150 weddings a year.

The UK's wedding venue business is worth an estimated £3.3 billion a year and employs many thousands of people, making this a key element within the hospitality sector.

The Manor by the Lake is also a popular business meeting venue as well as hosting a range of celebrations, family parties and other events.

Michael Chittenden, venue co-owner, said: "This is the pinnacle of our journey to date, and it's thanks to the incredible hard work and dedication of our entire team. Weddings are something every couple will remember for the rest of their lives, and we strive for perfection and to make each of them unique.

"The award is important for the local economy too: we have over 100 staff working for us, and our weddings also help support a host of local suppliers."

Jose Marques, managing director of Manor by the Lake added: "We believe in creating moments that not only celebrate the couple's love but also provide magical experiences for their guests to enjoy."

Tina Nicol, customer journey director, said, "Our passion is to care for our couples from their first enquiry, through to their big day, and even beyond. It's about more than just one day; it's about creating a lifelong memory. We are so proud of the team and thank all our wonderful couples for voting for us."

The Wedding Industry Awards employ a client-focused judging process and feedback from newlyweds and families played a crucial role.

Tammy Madge, co-owner of the wedding venue, said: "The journey to here has taken us 10 years but we are still looking for ways to make our weddings even more memorable. This is a highly competitive business, and constantly striving for perfection is what keeps you ahead."