A RUDGEWAY guest house has become the first in Gloucestershire to win a prestigious award.

Old Church Farm, a 16th century manor house, has been ranked as one of the best in Britain after being awarded the 5 Star Guest Accommodation Gold Award by the AA.

The nine acre grade II listed building is on the site of St Helen's church, a scheduled monument.

New owners Christopher and Kate Trim purchased the property in 2018 from Rolls-Royce, who had used it as a private hotel since 1950.

The couple, who previously ran a restaurant in Portsmouth spent several months renovating the building's seven ensuite rooms.

“Our philosophy is to use the best ingredients that we can. Our vegetable garden supplies us with an abundance of fruit and vegetables and what we don’t grow ourselves we source from the local farmers’ markets.

Our customers, including the anonymous AA inspector, appreciate our high standards and we are extremely proud of our five stars,” said Kate Trim, who also does all the cooking.

The AA describe the award as their 'supreme accolade' for guest accommodation awarded to properties offering 'excellent levels of quality and outstanding levels of hospitality and service'.

This award comes after the Church Road property was shortlisted in the Eviivo awards for Best Hidden Gem. The regional and overall winners will be announced in October.