A POPULAR Furness eatery has been saved, securing 23 jobs.

Chequers Hotel and Restaurant in Dalton has been sold, taking it out of administration.

After years of trading through difficult conditions, it found itself unable to service its debts and was put up for sale before seeking new investment to help refinance loans and provide working capital.

Offers received for the business though were not good enough for its to meet its obligations, which meant that it went into administration in July with Ben Woolrych and David Thornhill of London-firm FRP Advisory appointed as joint administrators.

They immediately sold the company and all of its assets while the buyer also purchased the freehold to the 27 bedroom hotel in a separate transaction. The sum paid for the business - and its buyer - have not been disclosed.

This was seen as the best option for the company's creditors and allows the hotel to stay open and continue trading.

Mr Woolrych, said: "This is a great result for the Chequers Hotel and Restaurant, all of its staff, and its array of loyal customers who come from across south Cumbria and further afield.

"This is a popular hotel and restaurant ideally located for tourists visiting the Lake District, Duddon Valley and surrounding beaches, as well as being an attractive business and wedding venue."

He added: "The sale enables the new owners to run the hotel without an interruption of service to its customer base and we wish the new team every success for the future."