THE new owners of a landmark East Lancashire hotel have outlined their 2020 vision for the venue.

Furniture giant Senator International has emerged as the surprise new owner of the Mytton Fold in Langho, which had called in administrators last October.

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans, who has staged functions there himself over three decades, hailed the announcement as “fantastic news”.

Senator chairman Colin Mustoe has pledged that major refurbishments will now be undertaken to win back its reputation as a first-class wedding and celebrations host.

The Altham-based furniture retailer already has an extensive hotels range, which will be showcased as the revamp proceeds, room by room, also including their function suite.

Mr Mustoe told the Telegraph: “This is an important local hotel in a great location, which might have lost its way a little recently and fallen out of favour.

“But we believe we can bring it up-to-date and are planning extensive refurbishments.”

He confirmed that one of the existing Mytton Fold management quartet, Barbara Bryan, would continue to manage the hotel on their behalf and the venue would continue to trade while the internal works take place.

Mr Mustoe has also spoken with employees - there has been a staff of 40 full-time and 40 part-time posts - and assured them there will be no redundancies.

He anticipates that additional roles may in fact be created to advance the hotel’s relaunch.

Those who had previously placed deposits with Mytton Fold for weddings and functions will also see their investments honoured, he added.

The neighbouring golf club, which is run separately, will not be affected by the takeover and will operate as before.

Administrators had already placed a £1.7million price tag on the hotel, which has 43 rooms and a 65-covers restaurant, bar and lounge, and had been built up since the early 80s from a bed and breakfast by the late Frank Hargreaves and his wife Lilian.

MP Mr Evans, whose late brothers both stayed at the Mytton Fold, added: “The fact that Senator have stepped in and bought this hotel and are planning to invest in giving it a new lease of life is absolutely fantastic news.

“It’s also great news for the staff, who I’m sure would have been in fear of losing their jobs.”