Rutland Cycling at Whitwell has won an award for being a top attraction as judged by customers.

The business , which turns 40 neat year, has received a 2020 Travellers' Choice Award from Tripadvisor.

The recognition puts them in the top 10% of attractions worldwide and located in the smallest county too!

When Rutland Cycling was established in 1981 by cycling enthusiasts, Dave and Ann Archer, the concept of hiring a bike to ride around the now-famous reservoir was very much in its infancy.

But the second-generation local family business says their venture has gone from strength to strength as the popularity of cycling in the UK has grown.

Rutland have hired over 1 million bikes since 1981 from their stores at Rutland Water - new hire fleets each year with current season models from premium brands to ensure hire customers get the best cycling experience.

Over the past five years, the company has more than doubled in size and now has 14 shops across central England, including Rutland, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Cambridge, Peterborough, Leicester, Grafham Water and Pitsford Water, employing over 200 staff.

It also operates three Giant brand stores, at Rutland, Cambridge and Newport Pagnell.

CEO Karen Archer said: "As an independent, family-run business, delivering an excellent customer experience has always been at the heart of what we do.

"We've seen huge growth in our online channels, but in 2020 we remain absolutely committed to our physical store network, including providing an exceptional cycle hire experience for visitors to Rutland Water.

"This award is thanks to all our customers who have taken the time to write a review and we are extremely grateful for their comments which provide the team with important feedback to help ensure we continue to deliver an excellent customer experience."

Rutland Cycling at Whitwell is open 7 days a week for cycle hire, bike sales, clothing, parts and accessories, repairs and service.