Hoteliers Roy and Monica Dutton have a triple cause for celebration this month.

Not only are the couple celebrating 50 years in the hotel business, but this year also marks their golden wedding, and if all that weren't enough, their hotel, The Lodge in Hunt Street, Swindon, has just been awarded Three Diamonds by the Automobile Association.

Roy explained: "It's been quite a month. For a small concern, winning the Three Diamonds award is quite an achievement. In fact, out of a possible 50 points, we scored 47.

"And as regards our wedding anniversary, we have just come back from a celebratory cruise around Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania."

And although the golden anniversary is today, Roy says it will be work as usual.

"This coming Sunday is when we intend to celebrate with friends and family," he said.

Roy also hinted that half a century in the hotel trade could now spark a second, potentially lucrative, career.

He explained: "Fifty years in this business seems incredible. I just wish now I'd kept a diary of all that has happened at the hotel. It would make a best-selling book.

"All aspects of life, from births, deaths and marriages have happened in this hotel."