CHARITIES have benefited from a giant spring clean at a Durham hotel.

More than £10,000 worth of unwanted curtains, beds, carpets, bedspreads, pillows and blankets have been donated by the Swallow Royal County Hotel to several organisations.

These include the Red Cross, the Salvation Army and the Women's Institute.

Soft furnishings have also been sent to York, to help to provide comfort for flood victims.

The move follows a decision to refurbish several bedrooms to bring them in line with new owner Marriott's standards.

The Royal County will become a Marriott hotel in March.

Derek Harvey, general manager of the Royal County Hotel, said yesterday: "We're delighted to be able to donate these items to the various charities, all of whom work hard to provide comfort and help to people in need at Christmas, and throughout the year.