A HOTEL is celebrating after receiving a sought after accolade.

The Roslin Beach Hotel has been awarded one of Visit England’s first Rose Awards in recognition of the excellent service it gives to visitors.

The award was made following two secret inspections.

The hotel is only one 100 across the country to receive the award out of 25,000 establishments.

Jacquie Dallimore, managing director of the hotel said: “To be one of only 100 to be given this award out of so many is fantastic. We are really pleased. We didn’t know inspectors had come in twice.

“They looked at the service we give our customers and at online reviews.”

This new Visit England award will be given annually to only 100 businesses that go the extra mile to provide excellent customer service.

Reviews on Trip Advisor and Booking.com are taken into account along with inspector visits.

Following the announcement of the award the hotel also revealed it is offering free Christmas dinner to 60 people aged over 60.

Mrs Dallimore said: “We are inviting worthy groups to apply, older people’s groups like sewing groups or bereavement groups. People can apply by email or in writing and four or five groups will be chosen by the end of November.

“We like to give something back to the community so this is our way of doing that. With Christmas coming up we wanted to do something nice for older people. We are looking for people from care homes or worthy older people’s groups.”

The hotel already gives afternoon tea to 100 hospital workers once a month.

Anyone who thinks they know of suitable groups who might like to take advantage of this offer should email jdallimore@roslinhotel.com Or write to the Roslin Beach Hotel, 10-16 Thorpe Esplanade, Southend, SS1 3BG.

The Christmas dinner will take place on December 10 and those attending will be picked by someone appointed by the hotel.