'NATIONAL treasure' Angela Rippon charmed staff and guests alike when she spent a day filming at a Lake District hotel this week.

The popular broadcaster visited the Langdale Chase, overlooking Windermere, to make an episode of BBC One's consumer show Rip Off Britain.

The hotel's managing director, Thomas Noblett, has attracted national media publicity for his stance against service charges being added to restaurant bills.

Miss Ripon, 71, was described as "a true pleasure to be around" on the hotel's Facebook page, as well as a "total British national treasure".

The former BBC newsreader and presenter of Top Gear, Antiques Roadshow and Come Dancing said it was her first visit to the Lake District for 20 years. She praised the hotel's lake and mountain views as "stunning".

Hotelier Mr Noblett told the Gazette: "Do you know what, she's the most charming woman. The staff absolutely fell in love with her. She was kind, courteous and knowledgeable; an absolute sweetheart."

Miss Rippon, elegantly dressed in a royal blue jumper and tailored black trousers, spent time chatting to staff and guests at the Langdale Chase, and took a break from filming for a soup-and-sandwich lunch.

The TV presenter is just the latest household name to visit the well-known hotel, which starred on ITV's The Lakes. Comedian Peter Kay, a friend of Mr Noblett, visited just before Christmas, and the Langdale Chase has also welcomed Poirot actor David Suchet, former Take That singer Jason Orange, the late Rick Parfitt of Status Quo, and members of the cast of Coronation Street.

Back in 1998 speculation was rife that Hollywood couple Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman were planning to buy the hotel and turn it into a luxury home, but the rumours proved unfounded.

- The episode of Rip Off Britain filmed at the Langdale Chase is to air in June.