A HOTEL in County Durham has been sold with plans to turn it into the region's premier wedding venue.

Hallgarth Manor, in Pittington, near Durham, has been bought by Shepherd Cox for an undisclosed sum.

The 23-bedroom hotel is currently closed for refurbishment.

Property investment firm Shepherd Cox, which also owns The Town House, in Old Elvet, Durham, is planning to modernise the hotel to include a luxury bridal suite, a two bedroom suite and new restaurant and bar area.

Director Nick Carlile said: “We are excited to have added Hallgarth Manor to our expanding hotel portfolio and have extensive plans for the hotel to become the premier wedding venue in the region.

"The hotel will be fully refurbished to include a luxury bridal suite, a two bedroom suite and a new orangery restaurant and bar area.”

The firm has a portfolio of 14 hotels, including eight in the North-East, including The George, in Piercebridge, near Darlington and Allerton Court Hotel in Northallerton.

Mark Worley, director at Christie & Co, who acted on behalf of the purchasers, said: “We are delighted to have secured the deal on behalf of our clients Shepherd Cox, and this marks the eighth hotel collaboration between Christie & Co and Shepherd Cox in the North East area over the last two years.”

“It is really pleasing to see such a level of investment and we are certain that Shepherd Cox will receive full support from locals and future clientele in the development of this business.”