A FORMER hotel whose shock closure forced dozens of couple to find a new wedding venue has found a buyer.

Chequers Hotel in Dalton was put on the market last year when it suddenly closed after the company behind the venue fell into financial difficulties.

Now, according to estate agents Corrie & Co the hotel has been sold subject to contract.

It was listed on the market for £700,000, a reduced price from its original price of £1m.

The property is described as: "a superb, sandstone hotel and development opportunity, originally a school premises, in excellent working order throughout, offering 27 bedrooms with en suite facilities.

"There is a bar restaurant, two function rooms and an equipped commercial kitchen and laundry room.

"Overall, it is approximately 15,000 sq.ft on a plot of around 0.69 acres with excellent access for vehicle parking with the extensive frontage."

The listing points out the potential for the hotel to be developed into housing providing planning permission is obtained.

Chequers Bar and Hotel went into voluntary liquidation in September.