THE head housekeeper at a traditional coaching inn-style hotel has earned national recognition for her work.

Alison Richardson, of the Black Swan Hotel in Helmsley, North Yorkshire, has been praised for her 31 years of service at the venue, having risen through the ranks from chambermaid to head of the house.

She has been named as a runner-up in the prestigious AA Hospitality Awards, following in the footsteps of her mother, Jean, who worked at the hotel for 57 years and received an MBE for her service to the catering industry.

Ms Richardson said: “I’m overwhelmed to have finished runner-up for the Housekeeper of the Year Award.

"Just being named as a finalist was a great honour in itself. Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey, it’s been incredible.

"The awards ceremony was great, and I even got to meet Claudia Winkelman.”