THE owners of the Royal Hotel in Scarborough, one of the best known in the north of England, have crowned a multi-million refurbishment scheme by investing £25,000 in a spectacular floodlighting project.

John Turner, whose family company, English Rose Hotels, owns The Royal, said: "We have carried out major investment in the public areas and the bedrooms and we are now confident of winning back a great deal of conference and tourism business."

The floodlighting of the Regency hotel, built in the 1830s, is the latest in an ambitious initiative to floodlight some of Scarborough's best-known buildings. Already, the Norman Castle, Grand Hotel, Lighthouse, Toll House, and the Valley and Spa bridges have been illuminated, enhancing the resort's night-time image.

Mr Turner said: "We have carried out a magical transformation over the last two years, restoring the hotel to its former glory. We are continuing our investment programme throughout 2002, enabling Scarborough to once again have the Royal as its premiere hotel."

Among the famous people who have stayed at the Royal have been Prime Ministers Winston Churchill and Harold Wilson, along with many Cabinet ministers and show business stars.

In the days when Scarborough hosted the Conservative and Labour party conferences, the Royal was the headquarters for the top politicians and Harold Wilson had a hot-line installed direct to Washington and Moscow during his stay.

Updated: 10:57 Thursday, December 27, 2001