An historic Norwich hotel has joined a handful of establishments in the county to hold a coveted AA award.

The Maids Head has achieved a four star silver award for the first time following its 2018 AA overnight inspection – and believes it is the only hotel in the city to hold the award.

Meanwhile the Tombland hotel's Wine Press restaurant retained its two AA rosettes for culinary excellence.

Introduced in 2015, the silver award is given to highly recommended hotels.

General manager Christine Malcolm said the award was a 'wonderful recognition' of the £2.5m renovation which has taken place at the Maids Head over the past five years to ensure the building 'meets the expectations of 21st century guests'.

She said: 'It is also brilliant news for our staff who work so hard towards our ambition to be known as Norfolk's finest for hospitality.'

Mrs Malcolm added the next step would be to fully refurbish the kitchens.

The AA inspectors report praised the 'high standard' of the renovations which were 'sympathetic' to the building's traditional features.

It added that dinner at the Wine Press 'continues to be a real highlight of the guest journey'.