A NORTH-EAST beauty spot has been singled out for its conservation work.

Castle Dene Holiday Park, in County Durham, has been graded Gold standard in the David Bellamy Awards 2005/06 for its commitment to enhancing and preserving the natural environment.

The awards take into consideration every aspect of park management, from the protection of plant and animal habitats to the efficient use of energy recycling.

Gordon and Valerie Burrows, who took over Castle Dene two years ago, have been honoured for introducing a range of environmentally-friendly initiatives.

All sinks and showers at the 18-acre site at Shotton Bank, Castle Eden, have push button taps to help save water.

Low energy light bulbs and solar powered lamps are used where possible and wood chippings are used in place of concrete for pathways. Any waste material is used to make compost.

The couple have also put up bird boxes and feeders at the park and have started growing their own fruit and vegetables.

"We are really proud of our Gold Award," said Mrs Burrows. "We have a beautiful piece of land here and we really want to do as much as we can to make the best of it."

Melanie Lowes, Easington District Council's tourism officer said: "Gordon and Valerie have put a lot of hard work into making Castle Dene eco-friendly.

"It is a beautiful site just on the outskirts of Castle Eden Nature Reserve and an excellent place to stay."