Whitworth Hall in administration

A buyer is being sought for Whitworth Hall Hotel in Spennymoor near Durham.

The popular wedding venue is operated by Whitworth Hall Country Park Limited, which was placed in administration on 18 October.

Administrator Andrew Haslam said: “Following the sudden passing of the managing director a few months ago, the remaining directors have continued to operate the business to the best of their ability, however due to the general economic climate, they have been unable to turn the business around.

"We are confident of finding a buyer quickly [and] have already received significant interest in the business as a going concern.

“In the meantime, we look forward to welcoming the wedding parties for the celebrations booked over the next two weekends and would like to reassure them and other customers that it is very much business as usual.”