ONE of the region's leading hotels has been put on the market.

The decision to close the 17th Century Newbus Arms Hotel, in Neasham, near Darlington, was made in August by owner John Wain, of Piercebridge.

He bought the property for an undisclosed sum last December. The hotel doors shut for the final time on September 8.

Now a planning application has been submitted to Darlington Borough Council to convert the hotel and former farmhouse into three homes.

The hotel has also been put up for sale for £890,000, either as a private property or for conversion if planning permission is granted.

Property agent Charltons has been appointed to sell the property, which could continue to be used as a hotel if planning permission is not granted.