A B&B in Deal has been given a ROSE Award in recognition of going above and beyond for its guests.

Mark and Nicky Chaplin, owners of Number One B&B, in Ranelagh Road, were visited by a VisitEngland mystery shopper in May who assessed them on their service.

In October, the couple received an email congratulating them as one of only 100 establishments in the UK, and of three in Kent, to make it onto the list.

The ROSE Award (in Recognition Of Service Excellence) is a new industry honour designed to showcase those establishments that provide the warmest of welcome.

Nicky said: “I was really impressed, especially when I saw we were up there with the Goring Hotel. It’s nice to be recognised.”

The Duchess of Cambridge stayed in the Goring Hotel the night before she married Prince William.

Mark and Nicky have been running the four-bedroom establishment, which caters for adults only, for three and a half years. It is the only VisitEngland 5* B&B in Deal and is rated number one on Trip Advisor for Deal B&Bs.

Nicky said: “If people want something we try not to say no unless we cannot actually do it, things like earlier breakfasts, late checkouts and storing their bags until the end of the day.

“We recommend local restaurants, point out local attractions, lend people maps and promote the Deal Card.

“We welcome people with a drink, a chat about the area, take their bags to the rooms.

“We also offer champagne, flowers or balloons, if they want it.”

Aside from the 60 B&Bs, others to be given the award include 19 self-catering establishment, 16 hotels, two campsites, one narrowboat, one serviced apartment and one glamping site.

VisitEngland’s chief executive James Berresford said: “Our new ROSE awards focus on areas of excellence that all businesses can aspire to, aiming to provide inspiration to all. Celebrating those who go that extra mile by raising standards, they will no doubt encourage others to raise their game.”