THE Bell at Skenfrith has received a prestigious Cesar Award and been named Welsh Inn of the Year by the publishers of the Good Hotel Guide 2004.

The 17th century coaching inn, run by Janet and William Hutchings, was praised for its stylishly renovated bedrooms and its modern menu.

The Good Hotel Guide's Cesar Awards are described as 'The Oscars of the hotel industry' and recognise different kinds of excellence in hotel keeping.