AFTER almost half a century of success, a prominent and well respected West Devon hotelier is handing over the reigns to the 'next generation.'

Anne-Voss Bark has owned the The Arundell Arms at Lifton since 1961, when she and her first husband, Gerald Fox-Edwards, bought the hotel from the family of Major Morris, owner of the nearby Ambrosia factory.

Anne played a pivotal role in helping to build the business into one with an international reputation — taking the Arundell from a 'local fishing pub' into one of the country's leading hunting, shooting and fishing hotels.

Anne, 82, whose second husband was Conrad Voss-Bark, former Times fishing correspondent, is handing over the business to her son, Adam Fox-Edwards, and his family.

Adam's wife Tina and two sons, George, 16, and Harry, 14. play an active role in the running of the hotel.

Adam, 48, a former Tornado fighter pilot and instructor who served for 17 years with the RAF, said of his mother: 'As an actress with no previous experience of running a hotel, taking on this business while bringing up two children was a huge task.

'It was a role in which she excelled, achieving international renown for both the Arundell Arms and herself as an award-winning hotelier, expert fly fisher, published author and passionate conservationist.

'Now it's up to myself, Tina and my sons to build on those achievements — no easy task when you are following in the footsteps of someone with the drive and dedication of my mother.

'We are determined to continue developing our international reputation as a leading fishing and shooting hotel.

'Alongside this, we are keen to expand on the other areas, such as weddings, conferences and fine dining.

Adam said attaining the hotel's first Michelin star with masterchef Steve Pidgeon was one of their priorities.

Developments include introducing three extra bedrooms, refurbishing the restaurant and ground floor rooms and introducing IT systems and WiFi throughout the hotel.

Adam is also keen to continue the development of the hotel staff through ongoing training and internal promotion.

Adam said following on from his mother would be a 'tall order', but he had every confidence in his great team, including general manager Heather Measey chef Steve Pidgeon, and fly fishing tutors, David Pilkington and Dave Smith.

'Everyone in Lifton has at some time either worked here or had a relation who has, held a wedding reception or perhaps, had a birthday party here.

'We take great pride in being at the heart of the community and also in the fact that we source our food and drink from local breweries, butchers and other suppliers,' said Adam.

The hotel's fly fishing school celebrates its 75th birthday with a spring fishing festival and gala dinner on April 16 and a 1930s theme Murder Mystery weekend on April 23.

The hotel is seeking a third AA rosette and only this week, the Sunday Times named the Arundell Arms as in the top 20 of 'the cosiest hotels in Britain'.