A London hotelier has swapped the bright lights of the capital for the rolling hills of Northumberland after being appointed general manager of De Vere Slaley Hall.

ANDREW CONEY has given up his job running the De Vere Cavendish hotel in the heart of the city to take over the running of the luxury countryside golf and leisure resort.

He decided to make the move north after visiting Slaley Hall during a visit to watch the European Seniors Tour in the summer.

The 40-year-old, originally from Kent, has experience in the hospitality industry, having spent 20 years in London hotel management at high-profile establishments including The Waldorf.

His career has also included positions at golf resorts in the Algarve.