Newstead Hotel will be closing on July 31 and will not re-open until prospective buyer Kevin Petty decides, it was confirmed yesterday.

Mr. Petty, who also owns the Belmont Hotel, has not yet completed the purchase of Newstead, said the hotel's owner Dana Goodfellow last night.

But because he will be carrying out major renovations at the Paget property and building more rooms, they had decided to close up on July 31.

And householders should be in for a treat soon as the hotel's antique furniture, which has been lovingly collected over the years, will going on sale at auction.

Owner Dana Goodfellow said yesterday: "The sale has not yet gone through, but we are closing the hotel on July 31 until Kevin opens it up again.

"He will be renovating and building more rooms, so it is up to him.

"We will be selling furniture at auction in October and perhaps some of the bedroom furniture earlier."