STAFF at a Kidderminster hotel are celebrating after gaining the top rating for its food hygiene from Wyre Forest District Council.

The Gainsborough House Hotel, in Bewdley Hill, was awarded a five-star rating by the district council's inspectors.

Inspectors judge outlets on how hygienic and well-managed the food preparation at the premises is and each business is benchmarked against the same criteria - namely hygiene, cleanliness of facilities and management.

Danny Rana, general manager, said: "We are delighted to have been awarded a level five food hygiene rating and are extremely proud of our team for their hard work and dedication in achieving this accolade."

In 2016, the hotel was handed a Certificate of Excellence award from Trip Advisor, for the fourth year in a row.

Gainsborough House Hotel previously won the award in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

It has been maintained as a hotel for more than 40 years, although the listed building dates back to the Georgian period and still retains a number of original features.

The hotel’s current owners have been in place since 2007

The restaurant opens for breakfast and dinner Monday to Saturday, and Sunday lunch. It is also open to non-hotel residents.