A Lake District hotel, famous for inspiring children's author Beatrix Potter, is now celebrating its own tale of love.

Situated near the shores of Lake Windermere, the Lindeth Howe Hotel is honouring the 20th work anniversary of Sunil Burke and Nickeisha Gray-Burke.

The couple, both managers, fell in love at the hotel, tied the knot, and raised three children there.

The Burkes first crossed paths in their native Jamaica, where they were part of the same hotel chain.

Fate brought them to the Cumbrian hotel, where they sparked a friendship that transformed into romance.

Mr Burke recalled: "I had seen Nickiesha a few times in Jamaica while working but had never spoken to her."

He joined the Windermere hotel in July 2004, not long after Ms Burke arrived.

Mr Burke said: "We were just friends initially but it turned into something more; maybe it was fate?

"We’ve now been together for 18 years and married for seven."

Both were promoted within two years; Mr Burke to head waiter and subsequently restaurant manager, and Ms Burke to housekeeping manager.

The couple, who consider the Lindeth team an extension of their family, even invited half the staff to their wedding in Jamaica.

"We’re a close team and have been here for similar lengths of service.

"Many of us are also good friends outside of work," Mr Burke added.

Ms Burke has said: "I love cleaning and putting things in order, so it was perfect for me.

"Sunil and I are passionate about what we do, we’ve put our hearts into Lindeth and they have repaid us so much."

When asked about working and living together, she joked: "He’s not my boss and can’t tell me what to do, so it works."

Tony Holden, general manager of Lindeth Howe, said: "Sunil and Nickiesha are the epitome of professionalism.

"They have given 20 years of exceptional service to the hotel, and to be a part of their journey which has led to a life together has been very special.

"It’s almost like a ‘happily ever after’ love story – which I’m certain Beatrix Potter would enjoy!"