A BOLTON hotel has been named the best in Britain for disabled access.

De Vere Whites, at the Reebok Stadium, Horwich, was highly praised by judges of the AA Accessible Hotel of the Year competition.

And manager Roland Ayling received a cheque for £1,000 to spend on further enhancing its disabled facilities.

Baroness Wilkins, the judge of the finalists, said: "Throughout my stay, the hotel staff were all attentive and helpful. All in all, I felt valued as a guest at the De Vere Whites.

"The layout of the bedroom and bathroom were excellent. The wardrobe space had accessible hanging space which is often missing from hotel rooms.

"Dinner was a fascinating experience as I was given a table overlooking the football pitch.

"A good touch for guests eating on their own was the provision of newspapers on the table. Again the staff were excellent -- as they were in the morning at breakfast."

The four-star hotel cost £13 million to build and has 125 rooms.

Baroness Wilkins visited the hotel incognito. She gave the hotel's concierge, John Hampson, a special mention for his friendliness.

Mr Ayling said: "For me the most important thing about the award has been the comments made about my staff.

"That's what makes a hotel in my opinion. Sure, the design of the place is wonderful, but it wouldn't be the same without the right people.

"We were all chuffed to bits to win."

He said the hotel gave his staff on-going training in dealing with disabled customers.

The annual award aims to change hoteliers' attitudes towards disabled people, according to Albert Hampson, business manager of AA Hotel Services. He added: "Not all of our finalists were perfect in their provision of accessible services but they were well placed to meet the provisions of part three of the Disability Discrimination Act 2004. They, like De Vere Whites, are setting an example for others to emulate."

The Marriott Worsley Park Hotel and Country Club was also highly recommended. The only other Greater Manchester hotel to reach the final stage was the Golden Tulip, in Manchester.

Baroness Wilkins, who is disabled, said some hotels she had tested had not catered for her properly. In one, she had to struggle through six heavy fire doors and along a complicated route from her room to reception.