A WELLS couple are keeping their fingers crossed that Richard E Grant walks away with an Oscar at this year's ceremony.

Tim and Frances Young have got used to winning awards themselves as owners of Stoberry House & Garden B&B.

And they hope that close friend Grant, their daughter Trish's godfather, will win an Oscar for best supporting actor in Can You Ever Forgive Me?

"How thrilled we are that our family friend Richard E Grant has been nominated for an Oscar for best supporting actor," said Frances.

"A lot of our friends remember him well, frying eggs and washing up the dishes together at Trish's confirmation.

"We hope that the next time he comes to stay, he'll have the golden statuette with him."

Above: Richard E Grant with Trish, the daughter of owners Tim and Frances; main picture, top: Stoberry House & Garden staff

The past 12 months have seen Stoberry House win several accolades, including a César award from the Good Hotel Guide – known as the Oscars of the hotel industry.

It has also been named best B&B in the Mendips, and a Groupon Star by Groupon. It is being included in the Michelin guide for the fifth year in a row, will feature in Lonely Planet, and has an entry in the publication 1000 Places to See Before You Die.

"You have to pinch yourself," said Frances.

"This has been a wonderful year for Stoberry House & Garden and for all the team who work so hard for the success of the B&B, and the wide recognition we have had shows the wide demographic we appeal to. As in all successful businesses, it is not just the work of one individual but that of the team that together creates the friendly atmosphere that is very much the experience that we strive to achieve."

This year's Oscars – the 91st Academy Awards – will be held in Los Angeles on February 24.

Grant has also been nominated for supporting actor in this year's BAFTAs, which will take place at the Royal Albert Hall on February 10.