by Graham Tutthill

Dover's Churchill Hotel has closed.

It is understood that staff who were called to their usual morning meeting on Wednesday, January 27, were stunned to be told of the decision.

People who run businesses connected with the hotel - including a health spa and hair and beauty salon - were also been given the news.

Customers trying to book rooms on the hotel's website are finding every date from Thursday, January 28, is "unavailable".

The hotel was part of the Best Western Group who say alternative arrangements are being made for guests who had already booked rooms there.

The hotel, on Dover's waterfront, has conference and meeting rooms as well as a restaurant and bar. It has been a popular venue for weddings and receptions.

The hotel has 81 bedrooms with prices ranging from £82 single to £110 for a family room. Special rates were available from £68, but supplements of £20 were charged for "superior executive rooms" and £15 and £10 for executive and sea view rooms.

It was previously called the White Cliffs Hotel, and over the years has played host to many famous guests, including television and film stars.

In a statement from Best Western, a spokeswoman said: "We were advised by the management that the Churchill Hotel & Health Club will cease trading as of January 28. As a result Best Western will terminate their membership with immediate effect.

"The Best Western group is a marketing consortium and as such does not own the property or get involved in the day to day running of the hotel and its liabilities. This is the sole responsibility of the owners of the hotel.

"The Best Western reservations team are currently speaking to all guests booked into the hotel through the group to find alternative accommodation."

A charity hair show which was due to have been held at the hotel on Saturday January 30 has now been moved to the Thatched Barn at Great Farthingloe Farm.