Today marks the official opening of the Coniston Hotel.

Borough mayor Cllr Pat Sandle has been invited to attend a buffet lunch before cutting a ribbon and touring the venue.

Since the London Road hotel opened its doors to the public on October 10 trade has been described as “slow but steady”.

General manager Paul Noble believes this may be due to the fact that from the outside the building doesn’t look any different to how it did nearly three years ago.

It is hoped new signs, which will be up by the end of the week, will make a difference and encourage people to visit. Brides-to-be are invited to a showcase at the hotel on Sunday between 11am and 4pm.

The 80-bedroom hotel and restaurant is a Best Western Plus with Chardon Management Ltd running it in on behalf of West Register which owns it.