People living in northern regions of the United Kingdom are perceived as more hospitable than their southern counterparts according to research by Best Western Hotels.

Next time you�re stuck for directions or struggling with heavy bags and need a hand, your best bet is to ask someone from Leeds or York. In the survey published today Yorkshire was voted the number one place for friendly and approachable customer service. Scotland and the North West came second, closely followed by the North East; proving that it really isn�t that grim up north.

Despite tales of cheeky cockneys and chirpy cabbies, 49 per cent of those surveyed voted Londoners the people least likely to do them a favour.

Best Western�s Mikhaila Brentnall commented: �Northern stereotypes usually involve flat caps, chip shops, Coronation Street and incomprehensible accents. However, this survey shows that people across Great Britain view northerners as helpful, warm and welcoming.�

Ronnie Cherian, Executive General Manager at the Best Western Mostyn Hotel, London said southerners are approachable too: �It�s simply an urban myth that Londoners are always too busy to help. Our friends up north may be open and obliging, but so are the people of London,� he added.

As every Best Western hotel is independently owned the group pride themselves on giving a high standard of friendly customer service � ahead of other chains where one size fits all. And, with set quality guarantees in place throughout all hotels guests are also assured an unrivalled stay.

And with Best Western�s call centre being based in friendly York, choosing from more than 280 of its hotels will have you smiling from the start of your booking to the minute you leave.

To book your hospitable break either go online at www.bestwestern.co.uk or call 0845 33 00 120.

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Notes to Editors:

Best Western GB

Best Western is the largest group of independently owned and managed hotels in the UK. Member hotels maintain their independence, charm and personality, while benefiting from being part of the Best Western brand. Hotels can take part in sales and marketing activity available to them by joining with like-minded independent hoteliers.

Survey Results

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,000 people. Fieldwork was undertaken between 9th - 12th May 2008. The survey was carried out online.

1. In which one, if any, of the following regions would you expect to encounter the MOST helpful locals?

North East 11% North West 12% Yorkshire & the Humber 15% East Midlands 3% West Midlands 4% East of England 4% London 2% South East 2% South West 9% Wales 6% Scotland 12% Northern Ireland 5% Don�t know 16%

2. In which one, if any, of the following regions would you expect to encounter the LEAST helpful locals?

North East 1% North West 1% Yorkshire & the Humber 2% East Midlands 2% West Midlands 2% East of England 1% London 49% South East 9% South West 2% Wales 10% Scotland 4% Northern Ireland 1% Don�t Know 17%

For further information, please contact:

Alexandra Kapp, tel: 0161 214 5261 email: alexandra.kapp@communiquepr.co.uk