A FORMER professional footballer turned award winning York B&B owner is selling his business for £1.2 million.

Marco Gabbiadini and his wife Deborah are selling Bishops Bed and Breakfast in Holgate, after running the venture together since 2003.

Turning his hand to running a B&B after a knee injury forced him to retire from football, Mr and Mrs Gabbiadini went on to win numerous awards for their business, including being named Guest House Accommodation of the Year for two consecutive years in the Visit York Tourism awards in 2012 and 2013.

For £1.2 million prospective buyers can purchase the freehold for both the property and the five star rated business, which comprises of 11 bedroom within a fully converted Victorian villa.

Peter Bean, hotels director at Colliers International, which is handling the sale, said: "Bishops is an attractive Victorian villa which has been extended and beautifully restored and refurbished so that it provides a marvellous variety of letting and private accommodation.

"The business trades with 11 bedrooms and there’s scope to operate 13 or 14 if buyers don’t need all of the private rooms.

"This is a high quality highly profitable business with very good accommodation for owners.

"The property also includes a delightful private garden, all of which is a tremendous bonus for buyers looking for a combination of home and business in a highly desirable city."

Mr Gabbiadini was educated at Nunthorpe Grammar School and began his football career as a 16-year-old apprentice with the York City.

His career on the pitch saw him play more than 750 including time spent at Sunderland, Northampton Town, Derby County, Darlington, Hartlepool United, and Crystal Palace, scoring a total of 226 league goals he also played for England under-21s and totalled nearly £3 million in transfer fees.

Not to be outdone by her husband, Mrs Gabbiadini also staked a claim to fame when she became Miss Yorkshire Evening Press.