A LAKE District hotel saved the day after a couple’s honeymoon was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Newlywed couple Michael and Debra Tweedy were expecting to enjoy a highly-anticipated honeymoon in Gran Canaria.

Just hours before the 32 year olds were set to fly, they were told their flight had been cancelled.

Spain had gone on lockdown over COVID-19.

Hearing of the young couple’s plight, Sean Donkin, managing director of The Inn Collection Group, stepped in to offer Michael and Debra a complimentary stay at the group’s Ambleside Inn.

“It was the right thing to do, to support people in tough times who had had their dream holiday at one of the most special times of their lives shattered," said Mr Donkin.

"If we can help each other out - particularly at times like this, then that’s a good thing to do.”

Debra and Michael, who are from Northumberland, met at Rington’s North East drinks firm.

The company supplies The Inn Collection Group with tea and coffee for their Lake District, Yorkshire, Durham and Northumberland sites.

Debra was a stock taker and Michael an electrician at the company.

Sparks flew and Michael proposed to Debra last June on popular beauty spot Bamburgh beach, six years after the couple first met.

“We were gutted to hear our honeymoon was cancelled the day after our wedding," said Debra.

"But out of the blue we were offered a place to stay in our favourite spot in the Lakes so unexpectedly and kindly.”

“We’ve had an amazing time.

"It’s definitely a honeymoon we’ll never forget.

"Rington’s are longstanding customers with The Inn Collection Group but for them to do this for us was above and beyond.”

Richard Miller, general manager at The Ambleside Inn said: “Debra and Michael are such a lovely couple, we are blown away to have been able to help them.

"These are tough times for everyone.

“Knowing we’ve been able to make a difference to people in a situation like this really does give you a lift.”