IT may be the home of the Bishop of Durham and steeped in history, but when it comes to hospitality, Auckland Castle is also a thriving business.

The County Durham residence, which is a regular venue for conferences and weddings, has been voted Corporate Hospitality Venue of the Year after beating off competition from the likes of Newcastle United Football Club and Hilton Hotels.

The award was made by the Journal Publishing Company, whose managing director, John Rivers, said: "Auckland Castle is an outstanding venue and I suspect that, until recently, it may have been the region's best kept secret. But not any more."