THE owner of a Hereford bed and breakfast decided to give something back to NHS staff who cared for her after she had stroke two years ago.

As other hotels and B&Bs shut their doors as the coronavirus lockdown was imposed in March, Sandra Benjamin vowed she would remain open for NHS and key workers.

Ms Benjamin, who owns Holly House in Aylestone Hill, said she has looked after a range of guests over the past 14 weeks including Network Rail staff, but the bulk of her clients were NHS staff working at Hereford County Hospital.

It could be that workers needed to isolate themselves from family members to reduce any potential risk, or that agencies had sent healthcare workers to the area who do not live here.

Ms Benjamin said: "I've looked after a lot of doctors. I had a stroke myself in 2018 and I made the decision to stay open as a way of giving something back because of the way I was looked after in hospital. They were lovely to me.

"It isn't just during the pandemic I've looked after them, I looked after them before. I have a lot of respect for doctors.

"It has been a bit scary. There's been some nights I've been sat here on my own and I've thought I'm inviting it [coronavirus] into the house.

Although Ms Benjamin stopped serving cooked breakfasts to limit the risk of her catching coronavirus, her guests were still offered toasts and cereals, as well as having the use of other kitchen facilities.

She added her neighbour at No 21, Jane Lancett, also opened her doors to key workers needing accommodation.

"I've had hardly any customers on the weekends, but in the week it's been NHS and key workers," Ms Benjamin added.

"My next door neighbour has done the same. All the big hotels closed down straight away."