A FAMILY-RUN hotel group has taken its total investment over the past year to £20m with the purchase of an 18th Century site in the region.

The York-based de Bretton Hospitality Group paid an undisclosed, multi-million pound sum for the city's 14-bedroomed Four High Petergate Hotel and Bistro, which was built onto Bootham Bar and the city walls in 1756.

Managing director David Hattersley said: "This hotel is an architectural gem. The views of the Minster are the best in the city. Properties of this importance just don't come up."

Last year, de Bretton acquired the 700-year-old Lendal Tower, one of York's most famous and important medieval buildings.

The company, which also owns the four-star Marmadukes Hotel and Harvilles Restaurant, has invested more than £20m in York since last year.

Four High Petergate will be managed by Mr Hattersley's daughter, Emma Watkins