STAFF at a four star hotel are celebrating after winning two industry awards.

Redworth Hall Hotel, between Darlington and Bishop Auckland, dates back to the 16th Century. It has been awarded an RAC Blue Ribbon for superior standards in comfort, hospitality, food and service.

Richard Day, RAC head of hotels and travel, who presented the award, said: "Redworth Hall has won a well deserved reputation as one of the most attractive properties of its type in County Durham."

This is the fourth consecutive year that the hotel has been recognised in the RAC Blue Ribbon awards.

To reinforce the RAC judges' decision, Redworth Hall also won the hotly contested award for Best Customer Service in 2002.

Vince Johnson, Redworth Hall's general manager, said: "We are thrilled to have won both awards and it is a great tribute to the hard work and professionalism of all the staff."