Matfen Hall hotel near Newcastle has been named Large Hotel of the Year at VisitBritain’s Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2006

It becomes the first property in the award’s 14-year history to have won the Small Hotel and Large hotel accolades, winning "Best Small Hotel of the Year" in 2002 prior to a £5m expansion programme in 2004.

The award is the latest in a string of awards for the hotel over the last few years, including Best Hotel in North East England and Conde Nast Johansens Most Excellent Venue Hotel.

In January the hotel was also named Independent Considerate Hotel of the Year 2006.

Sir Hugh Blackett, Matfen Hall's owner, said, “It is a fantastic recognition for the staff and management, many of whom have been with us since the hotel began.

“We are thrilled to be recognised both regionally and nationally and hope that it will encourage many more people to visit north east England.”

General manager David Hunter added: “We may have won 'Best Large Hotel' however the hotel has retained its old identity.

“Often when hotels become large they lose their unique, personal touch. I put our winning formula down have our ability to meet each individual customer's requirements and the needs and of individual markets.”

The Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2006, sponsored by The Caravan Club, were held at Madame Tussauds in London on 20 April 2006.