A HAMPSHIRE hotel has been short-listed for a prestigious award for the second year running.

The four-star Balmer Lawn Hotel & Spa in Lyndhurst Road, Brockenhurst, in a leading contender in the Guides for Brides Customer Service Awards 2020.

Staff are hoping the 54-room hotel will reach the final stage in the Large Wedding Venue category, having been a runner-up in 2019.

Ruth Mundy, Balmer Lawn’s wedding co-ordinator, said: “We’re thrilled to be shortlisted for the second year running in the prestigious Guides for Brides customer service awards.

"We pride ourselves on going above and beyond to cater for bespoke weddings.

"It’s a great feeling to be recognised once again for our stellar customer service - it really is a testament to the hard work the team put in each and every day.”

The awards aim to recognise excellence in wedding destinations across the UK.

Organisers of the annual accolades say winners are hand-picked for their ability to provide exceptional customer service that goes above and beyond the call of duty.

The successful finalists will be announced on February 4, with the winners being revealed at a glitzy awards ceremony on April 2.

Meanwhile the AA has revealed the UK’s top destinations for family-friendly holidays in 2020, with Hampshire finishing in sixth place nationally.

Two Hampshire hotels have been named as among the best in the country for families by the AA - the Chewton Glen in New Milton and the Four Seasons in Hook.

Built as a hunting lodge in the mid-1800s, the Balmer Lawn Hotel has been described as one of the most iconic buildings in the New Forest.

During the First World World it was used as an army hospital.

Following the outbreak of the Second World War it became the headquarters of the Canadian 3rd Infantry Division, which took part in the D-Day landings in 1944.