SHE is the ex-Tiller Girl who transformed a Hampshire hotel and led her to be crowned Businesswoman of the Year.

Avril Owton was one of the famous high-kicking dancers who performed at the London Palladium alongside the likes of Judy Garland, Cilla Black and Bruce Forsyth.

It was in the 1970s when her husband Tom took over the 17-room Cloud Hotel in Brockenhurst from his parents, that she began her business career.

Avril learned the trade from the bottom up, doing the washing up, cleaning the rooms and helping with the cooking as well as bringing up her four children.

Now Avril is preparing to end her long association with the three-star hotel, which has gone on the market for almost £2 million.

But far from retiring Avril, who is in her seventies, is hoping to begin a career in consultancy.

She told the Daily Echo: “I’ve been here for 40 years and I think it’s time to move on.

“I’d like to go into other areas such as training and consultancy, as well as encouraging businesswomen to make the most of their potential.

“I’ll miss my staff and all the fun we have. But for every end there’s a new beginning and I see this as a fresh chapter in my life.”

Avril has run the award-winning hotel since her husband died of a heart attack in 1991.

She updated the building and saw her investment pay off. Profits soared by 800-per-cent and in 1995 she was named Hampshire Businesswoman of the Year.

She also founded the Wessex Women’s Network and in 2008 was awarded the MBE.

Earlier this year she hosted a celebration to mark her four decades at the Cloud Hotel.

Speaking at the time Cllr Alison Hoare, then chairman of New Forest District Council, said: “Avril is the most inspiring woman I have ever met.”

Referring to Tom Owton’s death she added: “When the worst possible thing happened she rolled up her sleeves and turned The Cloud into the wonderful, award-winning hotel it is today.”

The business, which has an asking price of £1.9 million, is being marketed by the Winchester office of Christie & Co.

Spokesman Ed Bellfield said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for an operator to acquire a freehold hotel in an idyllic New Forest setting.”

Brockenhurst councillor Maureen Holding added: “Avril’s a top-notch businesswoman as well as being a lovely person.

“Guests go there year after year and she looks after them in a unique way. She’s very highly thought of because she’s so caring.”