A FORMER coaching house and shooting lodge has been named as The Good Food Guide readers' favourite restaurant in the North East.

The Yorke Arms, at Ramsgill-in-Nidderddale, near to Harrogate, in North Yorkshire, has won the accolade.

Located in the Nidderdale valley the Michelin starred Yorke Arms now joins the other nine regional winners to fight to be named the best nationally.

Frances Atkins, co-owner of the restaurant, said: "We were not expecting to come so high and we’re very surprised and delighted.

"It’s quite an achievement and we’re absolutely thrilled and it’s a testament to the staff and to Northern hospitality."

The public nominated their favourite independently owned and run restaurant, pub or café in their region for the award.

More than 23,000 people voted in The Good Food Guide's Restaurant of the Year award section.

The Yorke Arms was the overall winner of the Good Food Guide's Restaurant of The Year award in 2007.

Elizabeth Carter, editor The Good Food Guide, said: "All of the restaurants on this year's short-list should be really proud of the show of support they've received from their customers."

The national winner will be named at a ceremony at the British Museum, London, on June 9.