THE owner of a B&B, which won Channel 4s Four in a Bed, is offering guests from across the country a free night's stay if they can come up with the best one-line joke.

Denise Carter, owner of the 12-bedroom Newton House in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, said there was "so much negativity" following what she said was the "insecurity" of Brexit that she wanted to cheer people up.

Ms Carter, who said the offer was open to any guests that booked a room between September and November 2019, said they would be subject to the 'Snigger-monitor' test.

She said: "There’s so much negativity around these days with all the insecurity of Brexit, which is a joke itself, I thought it would be good idea to brighten up the atmosphere and invite guests to have some fun during their stay here.”

The AA four gold star B&B won Channel 4s television programme Four in a Bed during a series that aired from May 16 to May 20 in 2016.

The programme, which sees three other B&B owners compare and rate potential rivals across Britain, was won by Ms Carter and her colleagues after achieving the highest overall scores.

But in Ms Carter's own competition, guests that put themselves forward for a free night's stay will be invited to present their best joke, one-liner, ode or comedy monologue to her team and in front of an audience made up from the B&B's current guests.

The guest that achieves the best reaction and highest level of laughter will then be invited to return to Newton House for a complimentary 'Stand Up Break'.

Ms Carter said: “We’ve checked the research and the short and long-time effects on health that laughter produces on the human body should not be underestimated."

Ms Carter added that she would be "laughing all the way to the bank" in anticipation of interest from comedians.

She added: "We hope that guests at Newton House will join in the spirit of this initiative and when we are fully booked, I’ll be laughing all the way to the bank."

The B&B's 'Stand Up Breaks' are being offered throughout September, October and November for up to two people.

For more information telephone 01423-863539