A Barnard Castle guesthouse owner is among the first to be featured in a new category in the world famous Michelin Guide.

The guide's reputation is based on choosing the finest eating places and most luxurious hotels, but a new category - the Bib hotel award, named after the Michelin man Bibendum - has been added for 2004.

It offers readers a new selection of places to stay which set a good quality standard for a moderate price - less than £65 for a double room. Bib accommodation has to be practical and welcoming, offer a convenient location, the right service, comfort, and peace and quiet, with Greta House in Barnard Castle's Galgate fitting the bill.

Run by Kath Chesman since 1985, the accommodation offers three double rooms on a bed and breakfast basis. The little extras that make it stand out from the rest include television and video recorders, including a supply of blank tapes, crisp white bed linen, towelling bathrobes and hot drinks facilities in each room.

There are also shelves of books and magazines and a fridge for guests' use. Although Mrs Chesman does not serve evening meals she knows her clientele well and offers a selection of what she terms "bedroom snacks."

"A lot of my guests eat their main meal at lunchtime and require only home made soup and sandwiches later in the day," she told the D&S Times. "So I stick to light refreshments, including a ploughman's platter and fruit."

While pleased to be included in the Michelin Guide, which she did not know about as the "guest" remained incognito, she is no stranger to awards. Greta House was last year runner up in the Pride of Northumbria Awards. It alsohas a gold award from the English Tourist Council.