A LANDMARK hotel is being re-launched as a Northern Soul and Motown venue following a revamp to restore its former glory.

In the 1960s, hordes of ‘mods’ flocked to Burnley’s Keirby Park Hotel every week to sample one of the country’s best sprung dancefloors.

However, in recent years the large building has become better known for being rundown due to a lack of investment.

Since new managers took over eight weeks ago, a major refurbishment has taken place.

As part of the work, the legendary dancefloor on the second floor has been varnished and buffed, ready for a new wave of dancers.

The action has caught the attention of some old regulars, who have organised first of many new Burnley soul nights for this weekend.

DJs including Ginger Taylor and Roman Korol will be spinning records from the 60s and 70s at the event this Saturday night.

Special guests Billy Foster and Shaun Fitton will also take over the DJ booth for separate slots.

Roman said: “The dancefloor was rated as one of the best in the country.

"When the floor is full people sat around the edge find that they can feel the sensation and movement - it gives more impact.

“It was once considered one of the top three sprung dancefloors in the world after Wigan Casino and one in America.”

At its peak, Roman said people travelled from miles away to the hotel, where they would drink in the bar on the first floor, known as the Swiss Corner, before heading across the road to dance the night away at the Burnley Mecca nightclub.

One of the Keirby Park Hotel’s main selling points was its ceiling, which had lots of small lights.

Roman said: “We used to say it was like dancing with the stars. It gave it a real pleasant aspect.

“Some top dancers are coming, like Roy Speed and some lads from the East Midlands Soul Club, so there will be a bit of a dance-off.”

The seven-storey building was built in 1960 by the former Massey's Burnley Brewery.

The 50-bedroom hotel has had several owners including Cresta Hotels in 1968, the Virani Group in 1983 and The Friendly chain in 1987.

New manager Tina Whittaker said it is now owned by a Mr Virani, who has two other hotels in Stoke-on-Trent.

She said: “We want these soul nigths to be a regular feature.”

The Burnley Soul Night takes place from 8pm to 1.30am on Saturday. Admission costs £5.