A HOTEL chain has named Walworth Castle as its UK Hotel of the Year.

Best Western presented the award to owners Chris and Rachel Swain at its annual conference, at Brighton's Grand Hotel, last week.

Walworth Castle, near Darlington, has hit all the chain's targets in customer care and achieved high marks in its inspection.

Mrs Swain said: "Chris and I have owned the hotel since July 2000, and we have worked tirelessly to improve the castle. We are so proud of what we have achieved and being awarded hotel of a year is a testament to all the hard work the whole team have put into the castle.

"Our reputation on social media sites such as Tripadvisor, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have improved significantly over the past 12 months and we are so proud of our team at the hotel, as without their hard work, dedication and commitment we couldn’t have achieved this fantastic accolade."