A COUPLE who over the past two decades have helped to restore a turn-of-the-century country house to its former glory have celebrated 20 years in business.

Diane and Pat Kennedy, who took over the Lindeth Fell Hotel in Bowness in 1984, marked their milestone in the company of former employees and old faces at a surprise birthday party thrown by manageress Linda Hartill.

"Over the years, we have concentrated on getting the place back to the country house look rather than the hotel look. But it's been an ongoing thing," said Mrs Kennedy.

Over the past 20 years, the pair have built up a loyal customer base and have a string of awards under their belts, including being named one of the top 200 hotels in the UK by the AA, and they have a blue ribbon from the RAC.

Mrs Kennedy believes the secret to the hotel's success is the personal touch.

"I think as the owners we have to be there, it has to be personal. It has to be more like a well-run house than a hotel," she explained.

"People like a personal welcome and it's also important to have repeat business. Satisfied people come back year after year to see the people who work there as much as the hotel itself."

She added: "The best thing for us though is seeing the satisfied guests. I know it sounds trite but its true."