A couple from Ystrad Meurig are celebrating after their quirky shepherd's hut was named Best for Glamping in a national travel awards programme.

Manon and Dorian Jones, the owners of Cwt Caron located on the edge of Cors Caron National Nature Reserve, took home the trophy at the Sykes Gem Awards, a national travel awards programme run by holiday rental firm Sykes Holiday Cottages and judged by a panel of industry experts.

After primary school teacher Manon switched to part-time work a year ago, she and Dorian started exploring options for diversifying their farm as a way of boosting their income.

Spotting the potential in their farmland as a glamping spot, they commissioned a bespoke, hand-crafted shepherd hut to be constructed on their land, overlooking tranquil pastures and woodland.

Since Cwt Caron first became available to holidaymakers back in August 2018, the pair have reaped the rewards of a surge in staycations to mid Wales, as the two-bedroom hut has become a popular place to stay for couples.

“We’ve put so much into making Cwt Caron a success, and constantly get great feedback from our visitors, but an award like this really does mean a lot,” Manon said.

“The trophy will definitely be given pride of place in the hut."

See this week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition on Wednesday