THORNTON Hall Hotel and Spa is among 16 finalists competing for the chance to be crowned the UK's top afternoon tea destination.

It is up against competing against some of London's most high-profile venues including The Goring, the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park and the Jumeirah Carlton Tower.

The grand final will take place on June 20.

The award-winning Lawns Restaurant at Thornton Hall serves a sumptuous afternoon spread which includes a choice of more than 20 varieties of loose leaf tea, and unusual jams and curds sourced locally from Pant Glas Bach Preserves.

Finger sandwiches with seasonal fillings and served on wholemeal and white bread are accompanied by homemade cakes and fancies, and freshly baked scones.

It also offers a savoury tea which includes venison sliders, wild mushroom fleuron and cheese scones with Abernethy butter and chilli jam.

A team from the hotel will travel to London on June 20 to recreate Thornton Hall’s afternoon tea at the Westminster Boating Centre on the banks of the River Thames.

They will serve two guests while being watched by a team of five judges who will mark them on presentation, service, taste and overall experience.

There will be awards for best tasting, best presentation and the overall afternoon tea of the year award, which has a £1,000 top prize.

Hotel general manager Geoff Dale said: “We are very proud of our afternoon tea experience at Thornton Hall and we are looking forward to recreating this for judges at the grand final in London.

"We are up against stiff competition, but with our quality, locally-sourced ingredients, beautiful home-baked cakes and scones, unusual fillings and attention to detail.

"I am confident we can bring this national award back to the North West."