AUCKLAND Castle, the residence of the Bishop of Durham, has won an award for its high standards of hospitality.
People have been entertaining guests at Bishop Auckland's most famous home since Medieval times, when the Prince Bishops entertained their guests and hunting parties there.
But this week the residence was voted Corporate Hospitality Venue of the Year, after beating off competition from the likes of Newcastle United Football Club and Hilton Hotels.
In 1994 Auckland Castle Enterprises was set up to oversee the commercial side of the castle and eight months ago managing director William Hurworth and castle manager Kim Fryer took over and began promoting the centre as a conference and wedding venue.
The award was made by North-East business publishing company, Journal Publishing Company.
Managing director John Rivers said: "Auckland Castle is an outstanding venue and I suspect until recently it may have been the region's best kept secret. But not any more.
"The castle is truly deserving of the title and my congratulations go to William Hurworth and Kim Fryer."
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