TOMORROW is a red letter day for Maria Kenny and husband Sean - although they are not going to have much time for hearts and flowers.

The couple will be spending the night behind the bar at the new-look Tudor Hotel in Brompton-on-Swale, which has re-opened following an extensive refit.

The building's fate hung in the balance while it stood empty for some months and there were suggestions it was to be pulled down to make way for housing or to be converted into flats.

But the couple have invested £50,000 of their own money in a new look for the premises and are hoping it will become a hub for the growing village community, where up to 200 new homes are to be built over the next few years.

"We've already been open to passing trade for a few days and found we have something in common with some of the locals," said Mrs Kenny.

"Sean is ex-forces and there are quite a few former soldiers who live around here.''

The formal launch of the premises is planned for tomorrow night when the couple hope to share their Valentine's evening with as many people as possible.