The manager of a country pub has talked of being "incredibly proud" after the venue was awarded a prestigious AA rosette for its food. 

The award came "out of the blue" after an inspector from the AA graded the rooms at The Bell Inn in Rickinghall.

Jordan Fox, 32, has been the general manager at The Bell Inn for seven years and said the rosette has given the pub the validation to grow its network of local traders.

The mother-of-two said: "It was a really proud moment as we didn't think we were ready.

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"We go the extra mile at the pub to make sure it is somewhere I would like to go. On Mother's Day, every mum got a potted plant."

The pub, which also has a snug for private dining, prides itself on locally produced food and is working towards building a network of local traders with head chef Justin Pullum, who has been at The Bell Inn for six months.

Mrs Fox added: "We want to support each other so everyone thrives.

"Covid changed a lot and we want to showcase local producers as we are right in the middle of the countryside".