MALVERN'S Abbey Hotel is celebrating the completion of the first stage of a major refurbishment.

In little more than a year, 42 bedrooms, four conference suites and all the lounge and bar areas at the hotel have been given a complete overhaul at a cost of more than £1m.

General manager Patrick Jones said everyone at the hotel was thrilled to see the results.

"The response from our existing guests has been superb, so we already know we have done the right thing," he said. "We're delighted with what has been achieved and I think this will be good both for the hotel and the local community."

Mr Jones said some of the most impressive work had taken place in the Shaw Suite, which has become the hotel's party room', with advanced LED lighting capable of changing the colour of the ceiling to dazzling effect.

The second phase of refurbishment, focusing on the hotel's reception, restaurant and Elgar Suite, is due to start next year.