A hotel owner who has just celebrated her 20th anniversary has lots of plans for the future.

Kay Carlin owns The Allerdale Court Hotel on Market Place, Cockermouth.

It's been a busy two decades at the 24-bedroom hotel. But Kay has no intention of resting on her laurels.

She is expanding what her business offers with the arrival of an in-hotel interiors and gift shop.

Lily and Co will be opening on September 1 in a wood-panelled room in the Georgian building.

More than 70 people celebrated Kay's achievements with her.

“I held a cocktail party for customers and staff old and new exactly 20 years to the day that my husband John and I walked into the building after buying it,” said Kay.

“It was a great night but also emotional for me.”

John died in 2010. The couple have two sons who live in Dubai and Bradford.

Over the years, and following the 2009 floods, the hotel has been refurbished throughout.

It welcomes a range of customers.

“During the week it tends to be corporate business, people involved with Sellafield, Iggesund or M-Sport. We do very good business, a lot of people regularly stay two or three nights a week,” said Kay.

“The weekend guests are walkers, cyclists, golfers, wedding guests and fishermen.”

Kay employs eight staff.

“I couldn't have done it without them. Some have been here nearly 20 years. They have stood by me through so many things.”

General manager Tracey Jones has been there for 17 years. Barbara Morrison has been assistant manager for 19 years.

Kay is looking forward to welcoming Lily and Co, which is owned by Dawn Balmer. It opened in Market Place in 2009, five years later Dawn opened a second shop a few doors away. Indigo Lounge stocks ladies’ and gents’ clothing and accessories.

The two shops merged earlier this year, in Indigo Lounge.

“Going from two to one shops has worked really well but I'm pushed for space. I was thinking I haven't got enough room for autumn and winter,” said Dawn.

While Kay has some space in the hotel, after closing her bistro earlier in the year.

“It just evolved,” said Kay. “I was talking about the space I have and am not using.”

The shop will be next to the hotel's lounge which is going to be transformed into a licensed coffee shop.

“I'm hoping to have late night shopping for people towards Christmas,” said Dawn.

“Friends can come in and have fizz in the cafe. We'll also be offering a personal shopping service and gift wrapping.

“It's a new concept for the town.”

Kay said: “It's an exciting new venture for Market Place, which will help put it on the map.

“I'm sure my guests will love it.”