ONE of County Durham's best known hotels has recently gained a new manager, who is aiming to make it a centre of excellence for both corporate events and leisure facilities.

The four-star Redworth Hall Hotel, near Newton Aycliffe, has large conference rooms and an award-winning leisure club, but manager Paul Mandeir hopes to market the two as a complete package.

Having arrived at the Jacobean-style hotel only five weeks ago, the 45-year-old said he has settled quickly and has great hopes for the future.

"Redworth Hall is more corporate business orientated and offers a four-star product," he said.

"I think the challenge here is to marry the corporate side of things with the leisure side. We have superb health and leisure facilities, but it is just a case of marketing it right. I think there is a lot of scope for business in this area.

"We are lucky to have so much on our doorstep. Durham is just down the road, as is Beamish, and there are many superb golf courses."

Before coming to Redworth Hall, owned by the Paramount hotel group, Mr Mandeir was general manager at the George Washington Golf and Country Club, in Washington, Tyne and Wear.

The married father-of-two lives in Washington, but plans to move to County Durham to be closer to his work.

Redworth Hall is one of only six hotels in the North-East to have received the RAC Blue Ribbon award, one of the hospitality industry's highest standards.

The building, dating from 1744, is set in 25 acres of woodlands. It retains many of its original features, including an ornate staircase, has 100 en-suite bedrooms, a Bodysense Health and Leisure Club, and is only minutes from the A1.

But according to Mr Mandeir, what makes it a first-rate establishment is the staff.

"This has been an extremely positive move for me and the main thing I have realised since being here is that the staff are absolutely five-star," he said.

"They go that extra mile just to give the clients what they want, and that is one of the most important things in an industry of this kind."