A LEADING hotel has toasted the return of its manager following his success on a champagne tasting course in France.

John Birnie, manager at Darlington's New Grange Hotel and Maxine's bar and restaurant, was one of 16 delegates selected by the Champagne Academy to spend a week in the Champagne region.

It involved visits to each of the top 16 champagne houses and taking part in tasting sessions.

Following completion of the course, John was awarded the lifetime title "Old Boy" of the Champagne Academy.

All those invited to take the course have been nominated by their champagne supplier.

The participants received a certificate and special tasting glass from the academy president.

Mr Birnie said: "It was quite an honour to be nominated for this event and an excellent opportunity to learn more about champagne. Britain consumes around 33 million bottles of champagne a year, so it is vital to have knowledge of it.

"The New Grange Hotel sells a range of champagnes by the glass, bottle or magnum.

"Thanks to this course I will be able to use my expertise to recommend champagne for the right occasion offering our guests a little bit of background and history into the creation and production of their chosen one."