MORECAMBE'S Auckland Hotel has won the Best Individual Hotel for Groups at a prestigious travel awards ceremony in London.

Having been runners up for two years, proprietors Peter and Jason Bracken were delighted to receive the award with a kiss from BBC TV's Sophie Rayworth.

Peter said: "This is the third time lucky for us and will be a big boost for Morecambe."

The Auckland beat hotels in Torquay, London, Llandudno and Leeds and Cllr James Airey said: "I'm delighted that the Bracken family's hard work over the years has been recognised at such a high profile national event.

"It is not only a great result for the Auckland Hotel but is also a great result for Morecambe."

Former owner, Betty Grime, added: "Morecambe gets so much bad publicity that it's great to hear there's someone working hard and flying the flag for the resort.

Congratulations."