THREE privately-owned guest houses in the North of England have been named among the top 20 bed and breakfast places in Britain.

Inspectors visited Number 34 in Barnard Castle, County Durham, West End Guest House, in Richmond, North Yorkshire, and Glenander House, Bamburgh, Northumberland, after they were nominated by satisfied customers.

They are listed in this year's edition of the Good Bed and Breakfast Guide, which has just been published by the Consumers' Association.

Number 34 is a centuries-old property on The Bank, Barnard Castle. It was a public house and then an antiques shop before being taken over two years ago by Ian and Eva Reid.

Mr Reid, a former education director on Tyneside, said yesterday: "We are delighted to be given this honour, as it means the people who nominated us must have been pleased with our service."

He and Eva, who was born in Germany, have already won a Les Routiers award for excellent service. They hope to win another for their website, which is in German, French and Italian as well as English.

Kath and Trevor Teeley, who run the West End Guest House, Richmond, are in the top 20 for the second time, having been included first in 1994. They have been in the business there for 16 years.

Mrs Teeley said yesterday: "Getting recognition like this makes it all worthwhile."

Glenander House, at Bamburgh, is owned by John and Lesley Toland, who have been in the business for two years.

Elsie Dillard, editor of the guide, said, "Each of the top 20 B&Bs has something special, such as a particularly beautiful and intriguing house, a striking setting or wonderful meals.

"They have hosts willing to do that little extra to make a stay with them especially enjoyable."