On this day: Lake District hotel gesture saves honeymoon

Newlyweds Michael and Debra Tweedy were set to enjoy their highly-anticipated honeymoon in Gran Canaria when, just hours before their flight, they received the disappointing news that their flight had been cancelled due to Spain's lockdown over the pandemic.

In response to the couple's plight, Sean Donkin, managing director of The Inn Collection Group, offered them a complimentary stay at the group’s Ambleside Inn.

Mr Donkin said: "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.

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

The couple, both 32 and from Northumberland, met while working at Rington’s North East drinks firm, which supplies The Inn Collection Group with tea and coffee.

Debra worked as a stock taker, while Michael was an electrician.

The couple's romance blossomed, culminating in Michael's proposal in June 2019 on Bamburgh beach, a popular beauty spot, six years after they first met.

Reflecting on their unexpected change of plans, Debra said: "We were gutted to hear our honeymoon was cancelled the day after our wedding.

"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."

This story was first reported on by Savannah Nicholson on March 28, 2020.