SUITS you, Sir! A New Forest man has donned a frock in the hope it will boost his chances in the AA's Landlady of the Year award.

But clutching a feather duster and fixing his lipstick doesn't come naturally to guest house owner Tony Barnfield, who says that behind his pinny he's all man.

However, game-for-a-laugh Tony borrowed a frock and pinny from the wardrobe of Sway Drama Club to prove he was a match for the ladies.

The 50-year-old chef/proprietor of The Nurse's Cottage guest house and restaurant in Sway has proved that gender is no barrier in the female-dominated competition.

This is the second time he has reached the final, and this year there are two other male candidates, but 17 out of the 20 picked for the final are women.

Tony said: "It doesn't really bother me, but when the competition started six years ago I suggested to the AA that they call it Host of the Year as the word land-lady makes people think of Bet Lynch.

"It's the type of person you are, not your gender that counts.

"I enjoy my job. Everyone likes showing off if they have got something nice and I love having people come down to see me here."

The former radio presenter swapped his microphone for the microwave and duster when he took over the residence of the village's district nurse in 1987. Since then he says the business has blossomed. Thirteen people are now employed at The Nurse's Cottage, which opened a restaurant on the premises in 1992.

An AA spokesman said: "Tony, along with all of those who have reached this year's final, has all the qualities needed to be a successful landlady - care, con-sideration and dedication."

Single man Tony is hoping The Nurse's Cottage will continue its run of good luck with prizes.

Last year it was named RAC Small Hotel of the Year in Southern England and also scooped the Southern Tourist Board regional England for Excellence award.

Competition criteria is tough and The Nurse's Cottage has been selected from 3,500 national entries.

The award ceremony will be held at The Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge on May 24, but it remains to be seen whether Tony will be wearing his best dress and lippy for the occasion!

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