SCORES of jobs have been secured after the future of an historic Hampshire hotel was resolved. 

More than 70 jobs at the Chilworth Manor Hotel and Spa were safeguarded after it was sold to independent hotel owner, Frank Truman Ltd.

It comes after the Daily Echo reported in November how the business was put on the market by estate agents Christie & Co.

Its operating Chilworth Manor Ltd was bought by Frank Truman Ltd minutes before it would have gone into administration.

But its parent company La Ruche Holding Ltd (LRH) went into administration.

Neil Gostelow and Jane Moriarty from KPMG were appointed as joint administrators of La Ruche Holding Ltd (LRH) at the request of the company's directors.

Following an eight-week early options process and restructuring of the hotel’s balance sheet, a sale of LRH’s shares in the hotel and spa was concluded though a prepackaged administration.

Administrator Neil Gostelow said: “As a result of the sale of La Ruche Holding Ltd’s shares in the Chilworth Manor Hotel and Spa, the administrators were able to find a solvent solution for the hotel which has avoided any disruption at a trading level.

“This deal represents the best value not only for customers to the hotel and spa but the trade creditors who did not suffer any losses.

“The deal also secured around 70 jobs at this much loved hotel. The hotel and spa is now on a stable footing both financially and operationally.”

The hotel will now be managed by Legacy Hotels and Resorts, which used to operate the Botleigh Grange Hotel.

Its chief executive Andy Townsend said: "I'm delighted to be back in the area.

"We have got some refurbishment planned for the hotel, which we are delighted about. 

"It is exciting times ahead."