THE Talbot Hotel in Malton has been awarded Small Hotel of the Year at the Welcome to Yorkshire White Rose Awards.

Recognised as one of largest regional tourist industry awards in the UK, the White Rose Awards celebrate the best in facilities and service from hotels and guests houses to attractions and visitor centres. David Macdonald, general manager of the Talbot Hotel, received the award with several members of staff at the ceremony held in Harrogate on Monday.

He said: “This award really is special. Yorkshire has some excellent hotels and restaurants and so to be named the best in Yorkshire is praise indeed.

“The people who work here are paramount. “While we have lovely facilities and deliver superb food, it’s the staff that makes the difference.

“Time and again, I receive letters from guests congratulating individual members for their courtesy and care – genuine Yorkshire hospitality without which this award could not have been achieved.”

Director Tom Naylor-Leyland said: “This is what we have been striving for since we first took the plunge to invest over £4m in this lovely old building.”

To celebrate winning the award, head chef Jake Jones announced he would create a special White Rose Pudding which he hopes will appear on the menu within the next week.