A GOLF club remained busy over the festive period even though there was little play on the snowbound course.

Recently promoted former second chef Christine Stothard has overseen her first Christmas and New Year period running the restaurant and function room at Mount Oswald Manor and Golf Course, in Durham.

She was only elevated to the head chef’s post after predecessor Alan Powers left to run his own business, in October.

But, with the help of newly recruited second chef Alan Langton, plus kitchen assistants Vicky Walker and apprentice Tracey Ewens, the South Road venue catered for record Christmas lunch bookings.

The kitchens/restaurant has now received an official accolade, with a hygiene standard approval rating of ‘excellent’.

It followed an inspection as part of Durham County Council’s ‘Scores on the Doors’ food hygiene star rating scheme.

Mount Oswald general manager Nigel Galvin said: "We’re delighted with the record number of Christmas bookings and the performance of the new kitchen staff team."

He added that Mrs Stothard and the rest of the kitchen and restaurant team have, "delivered an exceptional standard of work" for which everyone at Mount Oswald is, "rightly proud".