GUESTS at the Old Post Office in South Marston are likely to be greeted with a hug and if they are lucky, a solo performance of their favourite operatic aria over breakfast.

For landlady and professional opera singer, Jackie Sansum and husband Roger, those little extra touches have paid off as they are now among the finalists for the AA Friendliest Bed and Breakfast Award.

They were nominated by AA inspectors who rate more than 2,300 B&Bs around the country.

“I was gobsmacked,” said Jackie. “We are totally shocked to have received such an accolade for doing the job we love.

“When you meet so many lovely people on a day to day basis it is very easy to stay happy and to be acknowledged for that happiness is fantastic.”

She said she had no idea who nominated them until she spotted a familiar face at the awards and realised they had been visited by one of the inspectors.

Their 17th Century home, which started life as a small farm and bake house, has been in the family for four generations and has been run as a guesthouse for the past 10 years.

“We wanted to keep it in the family for the next generation so we decided we would do a B&B,” she said.

It’s hard work, especially at the age of 69. But she enjoys it, partly because she loves meeting people.

“I open the door and I give them a hug because that’s the way I feel. I have a love of people,” said Jackie.

Many of them enjoy a chat and often when they discover Jackie is a professional opera singer, who has performed all over the world, they ask her to sing one of their favourite pieces.

Jackie and Roger were among 23 finalists from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland at the award ceremony in London earlier this month.

Peter Laigaard Jensen, Head of AA Hotel and Hospitality Services said: “To run a Bed and Breakfast is a very personal thing and it takes a lot of dedication as well as passion.

“With such great establishments from all over the United Kingdom, it only confirms the strength and depth that the B&B market has to offer.

“Each of these B&Bs offer great hospitality and are passionate about giving their guests the best possible experience during their stay.”