A HOTEL has earned an award for the amount of reservations it has secured.

Lumley Castle, which is near Chester-le-Street and overlooks the Riverside cricket ground, is the first recipient of Grand Heritage's Revenue Achievement Award.

The hotel received the award after it emerged that bookings made though travel agents had increased by 83 per cent since August last year.

Grand Heritage markets and manages independently owned hotels, castles, stately homes and resorts.