A SUCCESSFUL South Lakeland hotel is spreading its wings by acquiring another hotel in the North West.

Castle Green (Kendal) Ltd has bought the Princess on Portland Hotel in Manchester for an undisclosed sum, marking the culmination of a two-year search for a suitable property. The city centre operation is on the edge of Manchester's commercial and professional sector, close to Piccadilly Gardens.

Chairman James Alexander said: "Our undoubted success in Kendal has been based on consistently exceeding customer expectation, and with the enthusiastic and friendly team at the Princess on Portland, we will continue to build on our efficient reputation."

The 85-bedroom, three-star hotel features a facade dating from 1865 and was originally a cotton warehouse before being gutted and rebuilt in 1982. Barclays led the finance for the deal, which will see the Manchester hotel directed and operated by the Castle Green management team.