Bosses at a Grade II-listed manor hope to ease demand for large weddings by setting up a marquee over the summer months.

Eastwell Manor near Ashford, which is run by Champneys, has submitted plans to build the temporary structure which could cater for up to 150 guests on the grounds between June and September.

The idea is for the marquee to act as a reception space to help staff cater for larger groups at weddings and functions which it struggles to accommodate at the moment as the building is split into multiple rooms.

It is also hoped it will address pent-up demand for outdoor functions by adding another way for guests to enjoy the grounds of the manor off Faversham Road in Boughton Aluph.

If approved, the marquee which will measure 9m by 30m will be ready to use from June next year.

It will be off-white in colour and designed so it can easily be taken down at the end of each wedding season.

It will sit next to the hotel and will be nine metres tall to reduce any impact it could have on the surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and landscape.

In 2017, the building, which dates back to 1921, opened as a spa after a multi-million refurbishment by Champneys which secured the site the previous year.

There is a 20-metre heated indoor pool area, sauna, steam room, hydrotherapy pool and treatment rooms.