Chiswick based outdoor accommodation specialist Pitchup.com has scooped a travel readers award.

Beating off stiff competitors, founder of the business Dan Yates was delighted to pick up the trophy for best budget place to stay, at the first ever Independent Travel Readers awards ceremony on Wednesday October 7.

The award was presented by The Independent's travel correspondent and TV broadcaster, Simon Calder and The Independent's head of travel, Sophie Lam.

Dan Yates, founder of Pitchup.com, said: “We are delighted to receive this award, which is testament to the hard work of our team.

“This award recognises Pitchup.com’s dedication to putting the camping and caravanning sector, largely made up of small independent business owners, on the map for budget travellers, enabling them to search and book inspiring places to stay, from tent pitches costing as little as £2.50pppn to luxurious glamping options."

Pitchup.com was voted top in its category by judges and received thousands of public votes cast by readers of the newspaper.

The judging panel was made up of travel and tourism experts including TV broadcaster and adventurer, Ben Fogle; former P&O managing director, Carol Marlow; Independent on Sunday Editor, Lisa Markwell; i editor Oliver Duff; and TTG editor, Pippa Jacks.