A RESTAURANT in County Durham is expanding with the addition of hotel rooms.

The County, in Aycliffe Village, has built up a reputation for the quality of its food and beer, and is now building on that by opening seven luxury guest rooms.

Stuart Dale, who runs The County with his partner, Colette Farrell, said they realised there was a gap in the market.

Mr Dale, a chef for 17 years, said people who eat in the restaurant often stay at hotels elsewhere.

Bookings are already being taken.