BLACKPOOL'S hotels and guest houses are hoping to shoot to the stars with a little help from a local inspection scheme.

H.O.A.S.T is a series of quality measures that have been introduced to ensure hotels and guest houses meet a required level of Hospitality, Operations, Amenities, Standards and Training.

Accommodation receiving H.O.A.S.T accreditation then works towards the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) which awards the world-renowned one to five star ratings.

H.O.A.S.T was officially launched in Blackpool with a one-day workshop at the resort's Claremont Hotel this week.

Local businesses wanting to get on board can also have their fees subsidised by Blackpool Challenge Partnership.

For further details call H.O.A.S.T on 315060.