FRIENDS from the local community and the tourist industry helped celebrate a special birthday party with hoteliers Helen and Roger Wynn at Ross.

Helen and Roger moved to Herefordshire to take over Wilton Court Hotel five years ago after both had spent many years working in some of the country's top hotels.

They set about a major refurbishment of the riverside hotel to reflect its 500-year-old origins and Wilton Court is now listed by many top hotel guides.

Under executive chef Mark Gaukroger and sous chef Petar Georgiev, Wilton Court has also enjoyed a AA rosette for four consecutive years.

The hotel's total refurbishment has uncovered some architectural gems, including a substantial fireplace which had been covered up for decades and another 'grand' fireplace in the judge's lodgings above what was a former court house.

During the work, the hoteliers sought local tradesmen to undertake the work and it was these and other guests who were invited to the fifth birthday party.

Among tourism representatives at the celebration were Jane Lewis, principal tourism officer for Herefordshire, and Bobbie Heavens, managing director of APH, the county association of tourism industry businesses.

Helen and Roger faced the challenge of upgrading facilities, which had huge financial implications, and of developing staff, which they had done with great success, said Bobbie.