A popular seafront hotel has announced its closure with "immediate effect".

The owners of Sandgate Hotel in Folkestone have confirmed the venue will cease trading, but mystery still surrounds the reasons why.

In a Facebook post last night, hotel staff thanked the community for its support and custom over recent months.

It reads: "The owners of The Sandgate Hotel have tonight decided that the hotel is is to cease trading with immediate effect.

"Dean, Dave, Jade, Nigel and the rest of the team would like to thank each and everyone of you for your support and custom over the last few months."

Jade, a team member, commented on the post via the Sandgate Hotel's Facebook page

She wrote: "It is with much regret that I speak on here rather than in person but that decision was clearly taken out of my hands.

"We had a hell of a lot left to give and some exciting plans for the future. Some people’s morals leave a lot to be desired."

Nigel Langdale, who also worked at the hotel in the kitchen, wrote a tribute to his colleagues on the post.

"The best management team I've ever worked with and I'll be forever grateful to Dean and Dave for giving me the opportunity to reignite my passion for cooking," he wrote.

"I've enjoyed it so much. We've had such great feedback from the food we've sent out, especially my scotch eggs and the Sunday roasts, along with the great atmosphere in the bar.

"Such a shame that the owner has decided to close the place with immediate effect and get rid of all the staff and current team.

"The good news is that the owner has said that they 'may call me when things pick up again and ask me to come back to me work for them'.

"Let me think about it for a second... Errr no thanks."

The hotel, which sits in Wellington Place along Sandgate Esplanade, has been loved by many, and several former visitors to the hotel have expressed their sadness over its closure.

Steve Parish wrote: "The future was bright for all with a bit of patience! Who could of predicted a flood that changed the timeline of progress."

Jane Winsor also expressed her upset over the hotel's shock closure.

She wrote: "Nooo!! You have all given the place new life. We were so excited for the reopening and have been regularly ever since.

"The location is second to none - what a dreadful shame. Hope you can all find work"

The hotel has been contacted directly for comment.