TAXI drivers dropping off passengers at a hotel will receive as warm a welcome as the guests.

Each will be offered a free breakfast and a numbered toothbrush that will be entered into a draw for a break at the hotel.

To qualify, they will have to agree to be shown round the Paramount Redworth Hall Hotel, near Newton Aycliffe.

Manager Paul Mandeir said: "We know that taxi drivers talk to their passengers and we want them to be giving out the right information about what is happening at Redworth Hall and what we can offer here, so this seemed to be a great way of doing it."

The hotel is undergoing a multi-million pound transformation, which includes the creation of extra bedrooms and a new-look restaurant and bar.

The offer is restricted to one entry per taxi driver and runs until the middle of next month.

Taxi drivers not taking a fare to the hotel are still eligible to turn up and take part in the offer