ONE of East Lancashire's finest bed and breakfasts has been revealed as an unlikely tourist destination.

Lychgate, in Tockholes Road, Darwen, overlooks Sunnyhurst Woods, the moors and M65 and is now rated as a four-diamond establishment. The English Tourism Council awarded it the B & B equivalent of four stars after an announced inspection last week.

Owner Peter Waring today spoke of his delight and said that achieving the standard was the result of three years' hard work since buying Lychgate.

He said: "We are absolutely elated. We have gone from having no rating to four diamonds. I think people will be surprised that there is a place like this in Darwen as it is not known for tourists. The town centre is not very nice, but the views we have are beautiful. There are some really attractive places to visit and walk round."

Peter said half of his customers were business people and the rest were tourists.

"We have three bedrooms and are very busy most days. When outsiders come here they say this is a lot better than a 'plastic' hotel. They tell me the rooms are lovely.

"Now this award is an extra string to our bow. People wanting accommodation look for it, so hopefully business should be booming."

Lychgate qualified for the award after the inspector found it matched the criteria of having 'very good' levels of quality in its facilities, comfort and customer care.

Five diamonds is the top rating. To achieve that, Lychgate would have to step up each level to 'excellent', as well as providing local ingredients at breakfast.

The other four-diamond B & B in the borough is Shalom Bed and Breakfast, in Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn.