A new owner is celebrating their first month in charge, after the the previous manager stepped down after 40 years.

Alveston House Hotel, near Thornbury, had been under the stewardship of Julie Camm, but on November 1 Carole Crawshaw took the reins.

The event was marked with a celebratory lunch for the hotel’s team of 20 staff and a presentation of long service awards to three members of staff: Lisa Hindson for 25 years in various roles but latterly as Deputy General Manager, Carole who started as General Assistant 20 years ago and Nina Plachtyna for 10 years as Head Housekeeper.

The award-winning South Gloucestershire hotel offers 29 bedrooms, impressive conference facilities and the AA rosette-starred restaurant carriages.

Julie had worked her way up to General Manager and took ownership of the hotel under a management buy-out in 1998.

Now, 20 years on, Julie is looking forward to spending her time focusing on her other passion, carriage driving.

Having represented Great Britain in five Combined Pony World Championships she is now involved in encouraging and mentoring a new generation of carriage drivers.

Julie said of her departure: "After being a hotelier 24/7 for a great many years, I feel the time is right to devote myself to my other interests.

"I can think of no better hands than Carole’s in which to leave the hotel and I am thrilled that she now has the opportunity to fully take over the reins of a business that means a huge amount to us both.

"I would like to thank all of our customers, staff, suppliers and friends who have been such a big part of my life and the hotel’s history over the last 40 years for their support."

Carole, who has managed the hotel’s sales and marketing for the last decade is thrilled to fulfil her own personal ambition to run a hotel.

"I am excited to be leading such an outstanding, experienced and passionate team in continuing to deliver the enviable quality of service and hotel experience for which we are known," she said.

"I am greatly looking forward, as General Manager, to welcoming everyone who comes through our doors."