A £10 million refurbishment has been completed at a Kent hotel.

The relaunch of Ashford International Hotel was attended by almost 300 VIP guests.

QHotels bought the complex in Simone Weil Avenue in July 2006 and pledged to invest heavily in the property.

Most of the 179 guest bedrooms have been upgraded with new decor, flat screen TVs and individually controlled air-conditioning.

Reception and the newly named Quench Bar have been redesigned to include plasma screens.

With an expansion to 12 conference and meeting rooms, it is now the largest functions facility in Kent.

The Reflections leisure club has also been refitted.

Among those attending the open evening, whihc included a Blues Brothers show, were Mayor Cllr Rita Hawes escorted by general manager Deidre Billing.