A Shropshire woman is bidding for the title of friendliest landlady in the country after being showered with accolades from happy customers at her bed and breakfast business.

Pam Morrissey, from Top Farm House in Knockin, near Oswestry, has won over dozens of people with her charm, hospitality and fantastic cooking. She said that she was thrilled to have been nominated.

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She is one of just 20 proprietors nominated out of 4,000 establishments throughout the country for the AA’s Friendliest Landlady of the Year competition.

Pam moved with her late husband to Top Farm House more than 30 years ago and after husband Peter died – on the night of the Millennium – she decided to run their home as a bed and breakfast to make ends meet.

She has gone from strength to strength and in 2004, Top Farm House, with its three en-suite bedrooms, was made an AA four star Highly Commended guest house.

It prides itself on providing guests with good old-fashioned hospitality all within the surroundings of the 16th century black and white home.

Pam’s breakfasts are one of the highlights of guests’ stay, with not just a traditional English on offer, featuring locally produced food, but also vegetarian and alternatives such as smoked haddock.

“Cleanliness is so important and I do pride myself on a spotless establishment,” she said.

But it is Pam’s hospitality that has guests, many from across the globe, returning year after year.

“I have been so privileged and so lucky to have met so many wonderful people,” she said.

“Many have become good friends, staying in touch for years – I have even gone on holiday with some.

“I have had so much help, from people like Shropshire Tourism and Oswestry and Borderlands Tourism as well as the AA.”

The winner will be announced on June 4.

Some of the comments:

• “What a lovely lady and a beautiful house, thank you for everything, Pam.”
• “Thank you very much for a fabulous stay, it was a lovely weekend, we will be back.”
• “As always, a wonderful stay and an excellent breakfast. What a wonderful house, lovely to see you again, take care.”
• “Thanks for the lovely warm welcome, much appreciated. Thanks for the meal arrangements.”
• “A house full of life, character and charm and a very gracious hostess, thank you.”
• “Beautiful rooms, lovely relaxed house and relaxed service – Pam is a real joy.”
• “Pam’s grace and charm is reflected in her beautiful home.”
• “I will be back for the peace, comfort and wonderful welcome – the small touches make all the difference, we will certainly return.”
• “What a wonderful start to my honeymoon, thank you Pam for everything.”
• From the Australian travel writer of the year: “Extraordinarily comfortable and welcoming place.”
• Australian Tourist Board representative: “Excellent, wonderful hospitality, ambience, humour, comfort, highly recommended.”

By Suzanne Roberts and Sue Austin