A HUDDERSFIELD guest house has won a top award.

Elm Crest Guest Hotel at Queens Road, Edgerton, has achieved the coveted four diamonds award for its outstanding customer care and facilities.

The award was presented by Visit Britain - part of the English Tourist Board.

Four are the most diamonds that any hotel, bed and breakfast or guest house can achieve.

On top of that there are bronze, silver and gold commendations for those achieving an even higher standard.

Elm Crest - a Grade II listed building built in 1864 - has achieved silver commended.

Owners Martin and Ginette Mitchell believe the personal touch is the secret to their success - along with Ginette's magnificent scones and cakes.

Martin said: "When guests arrive we sit them down in the dining room, make them some tea or coffee along with a scone or piece of cake.

"It relaxes them and makes them feel at home."

The couple - who have run the guest house since September 2002 - also provide their guests with in-depth information about Huddersfield and its surrounding area.

They have visitors from all over the world - including a doctor from Germany and a vet from South Africa.

It has also become a favourite among people visiting Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, actors starring at the Lawrence Batley Theatre and organists playing in concerts at Huddersfield Town Hall.

Martin said: "Once people have stayed with us they often come back.

"We believe in providing the level of service we would expect if we were staying in a guest house ourselves."

Martin and Ginette have two sons, Howard, 16, and Elliot, 13.

* Elm Crest now has a website, www.elmcrest.biz