Swaffham B&B owners check out

OWNERS of a bed and breakfast have checked out of the business after years catering to tourists in mid Norfolk.

OWNERS of a bed and breakfast have checked out of the business after years catering to tourists in mid Norfolk.

Martin and Linda Hickey, who spent 29 years as the proprietors of the Corfield House in Sporle near Swaffham, have withdrawn from the trade to explore a new direction.

They handed over the keys to John and Pauline Shead who have taken the full responsibility of running Corfield House B&B.

Mr Hickey will also step down as chairman of Swaffham Tourism Association in May and from the Norfolk Tourism Executive in April .

He said: 'After cooking some 25,000 breakfasts, Linda and I have decided to take a break from the day to day business of running the B&B, but I plan to remain involved in the tourism industry working as a business adviser.

'We have worked hard over the years to improve the quality of our B&B and were delighted to achieve Enjoy England four star guest accommodation status with an additional silver award.'

Mr Hickey was chairman of Swaffham and District Tourism Association since 1990 and a founder member of Norfolk Tourism.

He was responsible for voluntarily running the local Tourist Information Centre for 12 years and overseeing the county's official tourism website: www.visitnorfolk.co.uk

Michael Timewell, chairman of Norfolk Tourism said: 'Martin and Linda Hickey have been tireless advocates for our industry.

'Martin will be a big loss from Norfolk Tourism's Executive when he steps down in April, but I am sure that he will continue to be a very active supporter behind the scenes.'