The Royal Hotel in Dockray has been bought by two local hoteliers for just under £1 million.

The purchase marks Ali and Jo Dixon's second purchase in the Lake District National Park.

Sold by property firm Colliers for around £945,000, the Royal, with its 10 bedrooms, 60-cover eatery and bar, and accommodation for staff and owners, was acquired from FRP Advisory Trading of Preston.

This follows Mr Dixon's management of the successful hotel and restaurant business at Embleton Spa in Cockermouth.

Mr Dixon said: "I’ve seen The Royal Hotel throughout my life, and I’m really looking forward to taking it on.

"I have many wonderful memories of Dockray from my childhood and its incredible to be back here all these years later.

"We have plans to upgrade the accommodation and give the hotel a new lease of life this year, and look forward to welcoming guests to the bar, and to stay in the hotel soon."

The Dixons haven't announced what specific upgrades will take place, however Colliers are excited by their next steps.

Haydn Spedding, from Colliers who sold the property, said: "The Royal Hotel is a lovely period building in the heart of Dockray Village and just a mile or so from Ullswater lake.

"The area’s charm is that while there you can feel like you’re in a really remote location, but actually you’re minutes from the M6 motorway.

"It’s great that a local entrepreneur is prepared to put his stamp on the Royal Hotel, and I look forward to seeing what Ali and Jo do with the place."