A city company is weathering the economic downturn while simultaneously boosting Lincoln's tourism fortunes.

Lincoln Townhouses, a company that rents out properties to tourists, is the only accommodation provider in the city to be awarded the coveted Enjoy England Gold award.

And now owner Alison Richards is more than doubling her portfolio of properties to meet the increasing demand from visitors to the city.

The company started up with two properties – Chapel Lane Town House in the cathedral quarter and Castle View Cottage behind the Wig and Mitre restaurant in Steep Hill.

But now Mrs Richards, who says they are the only company in the city to offer this service, has taken on three new apartments in Grantham Street at the base of Steep Hill.

Mrs Richards said the firm offers accommodation that is "equal, if not better" to that of hotels in the city but with the added benefit of more privacy.

Lincoln Townhouses was set up in November last year and has since played host to visitors from the UK, Australia, Spain and America.

But unlike many businesses in the city Mrs Richards said the company has not been affected by the credit crunch and economic downturn.

"I'm really passionate about Lincoln and think our city has a lot to offer people," she said. "We haven't been affected by the change in the economy and we are finding that our accommodation is always in demand."

For more on Lincoln Townhouses, see Tuesday's Echo.