A Littleport bed and breakfast is among 100 across the country that has been awarded a Rose in recognition of excellent service.

The Gatehouse Bed and Breakfast has been singled out for going above and beyond to make sure customers enjoy a good stay.

Peter and Edna Slee-Smith were presented with the award from Visit England.

Mr Slee-Smith said: “This award is regarded to be the most prestigious in our industry, and we are delighted to have won this.

“We pride ourselves on providing a warm and friendly welcome for our guests. Our bed and breakfast accommodation is located overlooking the old port in Littleport and a short distance from the railway station.

“We have guests from all over the world, many of whom return on a regular basis.

“We are accredited four-star gold and have won numerous awards for our breakfasts and the services we offer.

“The ROSE award from Visit England is the icing on the cake and firmly establishes us as one of the best B&Bs in the country, which makes us very proud.”

The ROSE award stands for Recognition of Service Excellence.

The couple received the award in London at a champagne reception at the Independent Hotel Show in London.

Patricia Yates, Visit England director, said: “It is the human touch that these people provide that make visitors’ experiences memorable, ensuring repeat business and helping the industry thrive.”

The guesthouse last made the news in August when Mr Slee-Smith appealed for help after he saw an injured seal, nicknamed Neil the Seal, in the water overlooking the Boat Haven marina.

One of the guests noticed the seal on the back of a boat with a large fish hook through its left eye.

Following the appeal the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) caught up with the seal and treated its eye injury.