One of Warminster's leading historic hotels has finally reopened after it was mothballed for two years.

Cllr Steve Jeffries, Mayor of Warminster, and other civic dignitaries attended the reopening of the Old Bell Hotel, a 17th century coaching inn that reopened after being closed for more than two years.

“I was delighted to be asked to attend the re-opening event at the Old Bell,” Cllr Jeffries said.

“It is clear that a lot of hard work has gone in over the last few months to prepare the business to be able to open their doors once again and was encouraging to hear that the team have had such a positive start to the business.

“The building itself is one of the major assets to the high street and of significant historical value to the town, and I wish James and his team every success with their new venture.”

The 15-bedroomed hotel is being managed by James Sullivan-Tailyour, 62, who launched his career there as a barman 40 years ago.

He said: “The reopening went really well. The feedback has been very positive. Everyone was really impressed with the food in our Thai Chilli restaurant.

“Everyone was coming up to me to say how much they appreciate the hotel being reopened.”

Mr Sullivan-Tailyour has taken over The Old Bell Hotel in the Market Place following a career that has taken him all over the world.

He said: “I come from the Warminster area and my first job in the hotel industry was at The Old Bell Hotel in 1978.

“I worked as a barman and, as my career developed, I was gradually given more responsibility for locking up in the evening.”

He went on to gain a degree in hospitality management and enjoyed a 30-year career that spanned the United States of America, Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Thailand, Bali and the Maldives before returning to the UK 10 years ago.

The Wadworth’s premises has reopened after an extensive refurbishment programme. Its new general manager is Inna Surguladze.

It will be operated by Mr Sullivan-Tailyour’s Wiltshire Inns chain which also includes The Swan Hotel in Bradford on Avon.

Mr Sullivan-Tailyour wants to develop The Old Bell Hotel as a welcoming town centre boutique hotel with a thriving pub that aims to offer something for everyone.

“I am keen to recreate a bustling town centre hotel that is part of the community, with a pub, restaurant and a Thai Chilli Restaurant," he said.