A POPULAR pub and restaurant has invested £1 million to create a second wedding venue on the same site.

The South Causey Inn, near Stanley, Beamish, Co Durham, has opened the The Old Barn, which will hold between 150 and 250 guests.

The development is also creating 20 jobs, taking the number of staff members to over 100.

The family-run hotel was taken over by Philip and Susan Moiser in 2007, in which time they have invested significantly in the business, taking bedroom numbers from 16 to 36, while introducing a wedding venue, conferencing facilities and a mini farm.

In October 2015, the couple converted a London Bus into luxury accommodation and in August 2016 spent a further £800,000 on eight ultra-luxury themed bedrooms.

Susan Moiser said “The obvious next step was to transform the equestrian centre into a second wedding venue.

“We wanted to give our brides and grooms somewhere very special to hold their wedding day and with The Old Barn they have very private facilities including a ceremony room and brides’ dressing room for use throughout the day.

“It’s a very exciting time for us.”