ONE of the region's best known hotel managers is stepping down.

Kim Yardley joined Gisborough Hall in Guisborough in 2001 a year before it became an hotel and has assisted with it’s growth and development ever since.

He has now decided to cut back a little on work commitments to develop his hobbies and spend more time with his family. However, he will remain with the business as a consultant.

As a result Gisborough Hall has appointed Ruairidh Taylor as the new hotel manager.

Mr Taylor, 40, who lives in Great Ayton, joined the business in 2002 as a waiter in Chaloner's Restaurant and went on to become restaurant manager. Following a period lecturing at Middlesbrough College, he returned in 2015 as hotel operations manager.

He said: "Kim has had a huge influence on my career and we are all really sad to see him leave. I am so proud to have been given the opportunity to take on the role of hotel manager at a really exciting time in Gisborough Hall’s development.

"Not only have we this year become a fully-independent hotel which is allowing us to make some big changes, but we’re also about to start work on our multi-million-pound spa which will open early in 2019.

"I have learnt such a lot from Kim and am looking forward to him mentoring me further in my new role."

Mr Yardley said: "Ruairidh is one of our incredible success stories. He has developed into a passionate hotelier who, without question, puts the needs of our guests at the forefront of his decision making. I am sure that he will motivate and lead the hotel team with absolute dedication."

Gisborough Hall employs more than 100 local people, many who have developed their careers within the business.

The hotel holds the AA’s four 'Silver Star' rating for its overall quality and two AA Rosettes for its food.

Work will begin early next year on Gisborough Hall’s new woodland spa which it hopes to open by the start of 2019. Around 38 full-time and 28 part-time new jobs will be created and the spa will include an 18-meter indoor pool, an outdoor hydro-pool, a variety of experiences with relaxation space, nine treatment rooms, an extensive gym and fitness studio.

The Hall dates back to 1857 and the grade II-listed country house was fully restored in 2002 by the Gisborough family, who privately own the hotel.