A FORGOTTEN feature of a 17th century country house hotel has been uncovered during renovation work.

The Redworth Hall Hotel, between Darlington and Bishop Auckland, is undergoing an extensive £500,000 renovation to its restaurants and kitchen.

During the work, an old stone fireplace was revealed when panelling was removed in the hotel's Blue Room restaurant. A more modern fire grate had been placed in front of the stone fireplace, which dates from the 19th Century. But for some unknown reason, the whole fireplace had later been panelled over.

Vince Johnson, Redworth Hall Hotel's general manager, said: "Once the developers started work it was obvious that something was behind the panelling.

"Because of its size I thought it was a bricked-up arched doorway at first, but was pleasantly surprised by the discovery of the old stone fireplace.

"While it obviously was not in our refurbishment plans, we will retain it as part of Redworth's history, and it should be on show for all to see."

Both the Blue Room and Conservatory restaurants will reopen in the first week in September.