A COUNTY Durham hotel has featured in one of the country's top guides.

Lumley Castle, situated near Chester-le-Street, has been awarded an entry for the first time in the new edition of the Good Hotel Guide.

Recommendations from the public are used to compile the independent listing, which are backed up by an anonymous visit from an inspector or nominator.

The historic hotel also this year scooped the North-East Tourism Website.

Marketing manager Peter Darrant said: "We are delighted to be included in the Good Hotel Guide, it is a just reward for all of our staff at the castle who work hard all year round."