A HOTEL boss said winning the AA Hotel of the Year award was like lifting the ‘World Cup’.

Craig Bancroft, joint managing director at the Ribble Valley’s Northcote hotel, collected the prestigious title at a special ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Monday.

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Northcote is an independently owned, 26-bedroom hotel located in Langho and offers guests a luxury country escape.

Mr Bancroft said: “Being awarded AA Hotel of the Year – England is one of those awards that you always dream of achieving but don’t always believe it will happen.

“This award is parallel to winning the World Cup, as a mark of excellence and the reward for a completely unified team in delivering Northcote’s mission statement.”

Mr Bancroft runs the hotel and restaurant alongside famous chef and father-of-four Nigel Haworth, who was also shortlisted for AA’s Chef of the Year Award 2016.

The hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant is renowned for its contemporary cuisine that uses seasonal, local ingredients.

An AA Inspector said: “It is a little gem of a hotel.

“Comfortable luxurious rooms and a gastronomic destination for the foodies where Nigel Haworth, Lisa Allen and team showcase their talents. Great wine list too.”

The Foxholes Restaurant at Runshaw College also won the first AA College Restaurant of the Year category at the hospitality awards.

The Leyland based college, which attracts students from across East Lancashire, won the award sponsored by People 1st college accreditation scheme, for offering exceptional hospitality training.

Garry Baldwin, AA inspector, said: “College restaurants are no longer the best kept secrets in their local community and are growing in reputation all the time and this award will allow them to really promote and showcase themselves.”

The AA Hotel of the Year Award was introduced in 1992 and recognise outstanding establishments.