Deans Place Country Hotel in Alfriston won the Considerate Hoteliers Association water management award after cutting consumption by 42 per cent in 16 months - a saving of £6,580.

Peter Bramich, the hotel's managing dierector, said: "As a team and as a hotel we are absolutely delighted. The award shows the very hard work the team have put in to achieve this and we are very pleased.

"I have for some considerable time been very concerned about the environment and energy. We are finding quite a lot of recognition from consumers and they like a place that takes the environment seriously.

"Customers are now being more considerate as well. I hope my fellow hoteliers take notice and do the same. It's a win-win situation: you save money and you save the environment."

Money and water-saving measures brought in by the hotel with restaurant included water butts to store rain water for garden use, low flush toilets in public areas, and specially adapted taps which reduce flow, as well as introducing efficiency measures to the hotel's outdoor swimming pool.

Also, staff at the 36-room hotel made sure taps were not left running and any leaks or faults were quickly reported.

At an awards ceremony at the Master Innholders' General Managers' Conference in the Jumeirah Carlton Tower, London Mr Bramich was presented with a Dartington Crystal award and a Duchy Original hamper.