THE Talbot Hotel in Malton which reopened just four months ago has welcomed its 1500th guest.

Sharon and Lauren Firth, from Doncaster, were presented with a bottle of Champagne to celebrate the occasion.

Robert Wormall, general manager, said this was a success story to give a real boost to Malton.

He said: “There is of course the James Martin factor – he’s a household name and his food is a key attraction.

“However many of our guests have chosen to stay here because Malton is such a good base for exploring this part of Yorkshire, particularly for visiting Castle Howard and York.

“They are enjoying discovering Malton itself as well, and increasingly, local companies are choosing the hotel for their visitors.”

Sarah Clark, proprietor of Stitches and Interiors at Nine to Eleven, said they were delighted with the Talbot re-opening as it had created a much greater footfall, especially at weekends.

“We’ve noticed customers who have stayed at the Talbot have been directed into shops in the town by its staff, including our shops. We are enjoying an increase in sales from this especially at Interiors at Nine to Eleven,” she said.

“We have, in turn, recommended the hotel and its restaurants to our clients. The more we all continue to do this, the more Malton will thrive, bringing better business to us all.”

Gemma Magson, proprietor of the Topiary Tree, said she was equally positive about the hotel’s effect on business.

“As well as being a supplier to the hotel I have seen a significant number of new faces coming in to the shop, particularly visitors drawn to the town who are staying or lunching at the hotel,” she said.

Tom Naylor-Leyland, from the Fitzwilliam Estate, which owns the hotel, said it was wonderful to meet Sharon and Lauren.

“Like all our guests, we were thrilled to welcome them to the hotel but particularly excited as in a short few months they are our 1500th booking,” he said.

“I am thrilled the public have responded so warmly to the Talbot and hope that it is because we have tried to keep things simple.”

Tom said that the hotel was designed to be traditional, relaxed and comfortable and he felt that they had achieved that.