A German couple have taken over the running of an historic hotel in Norfolk - after viewing photos of the venue whilst more than 3,000 miles away.

Doris Rogg and Toby Pfeiffer became the new managers of Sherbourne House in Attleborough last month after the hotel and restaurant was bought by a German investor.

The couple, who have been in the hospitality industry all of their working lives, were in Canada when they were approached by the new owner of Sherbourne House to relocate from Hamburg, in Germany.

The new managers said they were hoping to build up the interest in the 18th century house as a place for dining, family functions and a place to stay.

Miss Rogg, 30 said they were staying in Canada when her boss approached her about running the Attleborough hotel.

'We looked at the website and the photos and we knew that he would not buy anything that was not worth it.'

'It is a totally new experience. People expect to be treated nicely and taken care of, no matter what country you are in. The main thing has been getting used to the currency and the British are way more concerned with health and safety - it is a bit over the top,' she said.

Miss Rogg said their food would focus on seasonal and local produce and there were would be the occasional German specialities served up.

They are also looking to refurbish some of the rooms in the house.