A WEST Dorset pub is celebrating after being praised as one of the friendliest bed and breakfast businesses in the country.

Tim and Vivien Wilkes from The Spyway Inn, Askerswell collected their prize after being named runner up in the AA Friendliest Bed and Breakfast Awards 2016.

Mrs Wilkes and her son Tim were among 25 finalists who were nominated by AA inspectors who rate more than 2,300 bed and breakfast businesses throughout the UK.

Mr Wilkes said: "As a family we are delighted to receive recognition for our bed and breakfast being nominated for this award, and to be runners up is a wonderful achievement.

"We would like to thank our staff and all our guests and locals for making the Spyway Inn such a warm, friendly and welcoming place to visit."

The Spyway Inn is an old smugglers pub, dating back to 1845. The awards, presented at the annual ceremony at the London Landmark Hotel, include guest accommodation for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland as well as the awards for funkiest bed and breakfast and friendliest bed and breakfast.

Peter Laigaard Jensen, head of AA hotel and hospitality services, said: "It is an absolute pleasure to celebrate and recognise all of our 2016 AA bed and breakfast award winners here in London.

"To run a bed and breakfast is a very personal thing and it takes a lot of dedication as well as passion and with such great establishments from all over the United Kingdom, it only confirms the strength and depth that the B and B market has to offer.

"Each of these bed and breakfasts offer great hospitality and are passionate about giving their guests the best possible experience during their stay."

For more information about the Spyway Inn, please call 01308 485250 or visit spyway-inn.co.uk