A HOTEL located in a tourist hotspot has been given a new rating by food inspectors.

Merewood Country House Hotel near Windermere was given a score of four out of five food hygiene rating.

The rating was given after assessment on August 14, the Food Standards Agency's website shows.

The hygienic handling of food including preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling and storage was found to be in a 'Good' standard.

The cleanliness and condition of facilities and building including having appropriate layout, ventilation, hand washing facilities and pest control to enable good food hygiene were found to be 'Good'.

And the management of food safety was found in a 'Generally satisfactory' standard.

Of Westmorland and Furness's 668 restaurants, cafes and canteens with ratings, 550 (82%) have ratings of five and none have zero ratings.