A PRESTIGIOUS award has been presented to a pair of sisters who had never even run a business before.

Former housewives Maureen Kent and Sandra Masson reopened The County Hotel, off Pulteney Road, Bath, only a year ago after a total facelift.

Now they have received the ultimate praise after being hailed with the accolade of AA Guest Accommodation of the Year.

The family was presented with a specially commissioned watercolour painting of The County during a ceremony in London.

The building boasts 22 individual rooms, all ensuite, the Cricket Bar and an elegant dining room with magnificent views overlooking the Recreation Ground, home to the city's cricket and rugby clubs.

Joan Brown is a co-ordinator of Hotel Services for the AA Bed and Breakfast Guide 2001.

She said: "All the hotels and guest houses, around 3,500 in the guide, are visited each year by inspectors.

"Nominees are chosen if the inspector would personally recommend them to their family and friends.

"All the nominees are then looked at in more detail and a winner is chosen."

She added: "This is a prestigious accolade that only goes to hotels of exceptionally high quality.

"The County gives a wonderful service in a warm and friendly atmosphere."

Maureen Kent and her family are delighted by the award.

Mrs Kent said: "This is a marvellous achievement for us in our first year of running The County.

"The staff here are absolutely fantastic and we couldn't have won this award without their commitment and hard work."

She added: "Business is excellent at the moment with a high percentage of businessmen staying during the week and visitors to Bath at the weekend."