A WENSLEYDALE pub has been awarded the highest classification of five stars from AA after a recent inspection.

The Wensleydale Heifer in West Witton, a restaurant and boutique hotel in the Yorkshire Dales, is one of only 61 establishments in the country with the five star grading from AA.

The criteria states that to obtain five star status the establishment must offer awareness of each guest's needs with nothing being too much trouble; all bedrooms en suite or with a private bathroom; excellent quality beds and furnishings; and breakfast that includes specials or home-made items, high quality ingredients, and fresh local produce.

Each room at the Wensleydale Heifer is different and has its own unique theme, including whisky, champagne or chocolate rooms and rooms for movie, racing or animal lovers.

David Moss, co-owner of the Wensleydale Heifer, said: “With our themed rooms we certainly feel that we do offer something different and to receive five stars is an endorsement of the quality of the hotel and our staff. “We are very proud to receive this accolade from the AA, which reflects the hard work and dedication of the whole team.”

AA Hotel Services has been recognising accommodation since 1908 and first introduced the star rating scheme in 1912, recognising and rewarding establishments for the quality and range of their services and facilities.