An ecological hotel housed in a 17th Century chapel has won an international award for sustainability.

The Old Chapel Forge in Lagness, near Chichester, uses solar tubes to heat recycled rainwater and filters washing water through a hay box system.

Everything down to its curtain poles and light fittings have been produced by local contractors using local materials.

Recently commended by the West Sussex County Council Building Design Awards, the hotel has now won an International Green Apple Award.

Sandra Barnes, the owner, said many of her guests come because they are already eco-friendly but others leave converted.

Wednesday, March 22, 2006