THERE were smiles all around at a hotel in Moreton after it received a second award.

The Coaching Inn Group - which operates the White Hart Royal in Moreton - has come in second for the best small hotel chain.

The competition is run by Which? and compares small hotel chains across the UK. 

The announcement comes shortly after the group was named the UK's best hotel group by AA Hospitality.

Staff have been celebrating the win at the White Hart Royal and said they are delighted that their hotel has contributed to the achievement.

James Brown, deputy general manager, said: "We have a great team spirit here when it comes to offering hospitality from the heart, so this award is a real pat on the back for everyone."

The Which? report said the Coaching Inn's pubs are set in attractive buildings in market towns.

One guest had told Which researchers: "You can trust what you're going to get – a well-stocked bar with a range of traditional ales, reliably competent cooking and a very good experience for the price."

A Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Charity, said he was delighted with the win, and the 79 per cent approval rating was an outstanding vote of confidence from guests, many of whom returned time and again.

He added: "It was also a tremendous credit to all the enthusiastic teams whose whole ethos was to offer hospitality from the heart at the group's thirty-two hotels and inns in market towns across the country."

Earlier this year, White Hart Royal raised thousands for Hospitality Action, which supports businesses in their time of need.

Diners bought portions of invisible chips for £2 at The White Hart Royal, which went towards helping the hotel or catering industry.

In total, £13,000 has been raised through invisible chip donations this year.