Receptionist at The Bridge House, Bridport, shortlisted at eviivo Awards

Mum-of-one Tamsin Lyons, who works at The Bridge House, in East Street, has been shortlisted for a hospitality and tourism award at this year's eviivo Awards, which celebrates the best of British independent accommodation.

Ms Lyons, from Beaminster, is in the running to take home the silverware in the Unsung Hero category at the award ceremony, deemed 'the Oscars of independent accommodation', according to eviivo.

The Bridge House, in East Street. Picture: Google Maps

The 48-year-old said: "It was a huge surprise.

"I'm usually in the background and shy away from the limelight, but it's very nice to be recognised.

"I've been working at the hotel since August 2002 where I started as a housekeeper, so I've learned from the bottom up.

"Attention to detail and approaching the job methodically is important to me.

"Communication is key when dealing with guests."

Mum-of-one Tamsin Lyons, who works at The Bridge House

Marcus Edwards has been running the hotel for the past four years with his wife Sara and said the day-to-day operation would not run as smoothly without Ms Lyons.

He said: "She has been working at the hotel for almost 20 years. We have 10 rooms in total and when we started running the hotel, she helped us with the transition. She knows the hotel inside out.

"We nominated her because she does such great work with our guests; she's the first person people go to to ask a question.

"Without her, the business would not run as smoothly as it does. It's our way of saying thank you."

The eviivo Awards, now in its seventh year, shines a light on the best B&Bs, guest houses, boutique hotels, pubs, and restaurants with rooms, and other independent accommodations the UK has to offer.

Ms Lyons has been shortlisted in the Unsung Hero category and will compete against four other people around the UK and Ireland to take the crown.

The shortlisted people will have their applications reviewed and judged by a panel of industry experts ahead of the awards ceremony, with the winner picking up a grand prize of £1,000 to put toward their property.

Michele Fitzpatrick, CEO at eviivo, said: "Covid-19 hit the independent property sector hard.

"Welcoming back the awards after a two-year hiatus allows us to give these incredible individuals and their accommodation their moment in the limelight."