TWO of Teesdale's longest- serving hoteliers are packing their bags this month to take on a different challenge, running a French bed-and-breakfast business.

Dieter and Audrey Streit moved to Middleton-in-Teesdale 30 years ago, and ran the Heatherbrae Hotel, which was later to become a nursing home.

The couple then took over the Cleveland Arms in the village, which they renamed the Teesdale Hotel.

Mr Streit, a chef, was born in Germany and moved to London in 1957.

He worked as a head chef in the capital before deciding to go into business for himself. He moved to Middleton-in-Teesdale in 1974.

The couple have six children and eight grandchildren.

They say they will miss Teesdale life and intend to keep on their flat in the village.

Mrs Streit said: "We have really enjoyed our time in Teesdale, but it is now time to leave and move on.

"We have got some really fond memories - too many to think about all at once. The people here have been lovely."

The couple's bed and breakfast concern in Brittany will be a smaller-scale business and will give them more time to themselves.

The Teesdale Hotel's new owners, John and Bernadette Faulkner, will continue to employ Mr and Mrs Streit's daughter, Nadina, as chef.