An historic country house famed for its use as a stunning wedding venue has been bought out of administration, saving 18 jobs.

The future of the Dovecliff Hall Hotel, which is situated between Rolleston-on-Dove and Stretton, was in jeopardy after Abbot Grange, which operated the site, called in administrators back in February.

Since then, the administrators have been running the hotel as usual, honouring all bookings, including weddings, while seeking a buyer.

Now, the venue, which comprises 15 rooms and is set in six acres of grounds overlooking the River Dove, has been sold to a local businessman Anton Jenkins, a director at Burton-based pharmaceuticals firm Clinigen.

The sale was led by insolvency specialists Matt Ingram and Sarah Bell of Duff and Phelps with support from real estate adviser GVA.

Mr Ingram said that the deal secures the future of the venue's 18-strong workforce.

18 jobs have been saved after the hotel was bought out of administration

Not long after the hotel went into administration, Mr Ingram reported a "high level of interest" in the business - and predicted that a deal could be struck within months.

Now, following the deal to sell the property, customers have been reassured that all bookings will continue to be honoured. It is also understood that the new owner has plans to invest in the hotel.

The hall is a Grade II-listed Georgian manor house dating back to 1790. It was built for the family of Thomas Thornewill. In the 19th century is was owned by Michael Arthur Bass (Lord Burton) who made many contributions to the town including gifting the Ferry Bridge. In 1902 he entertained King Edward VII at his estate in Rangemore and the King visited the Bass Brewery with the King's Ale being named after him in honour of his visit.

In 1928 the house was opened as a hotel but reverted back to a private house when it was bought by Colonel Sharpe, in 1936. The house was bought and sold several times until, in 1987, when it was purchased and renamed as the Dovecliff Hall Hotel by a consortium headed by Nick Hine.