A FAMOUS east coast hotel has been sold to buyers from the Far East for £15.5m. The four star Crown Hotel which sits high on the cliff top above Scarborough was built in 1845 and has played host to many famous politicians and celebrities including Margaret Thatcher and The Beatles.

It's been bought from the Frank family by the Compass Hospitality group which now operates 12 hotels in the UK on behalf of buyers from the Far East. An extension of 77 rooms is planned on top of the existing 115 en suite rooms.