A DERBYSHIRE hotel that closed a few weeks ago is set to reopen, thanks to an Italian businessman.

Blenheim House Hotel, in Etwall, shut after the former owner was unable to pay a hefty tax bill – and 30 people lost their jobs.

The closure of the popular wedding venue also left many brides-to-be worried about their big day.

But Roman businessman Marco Di Sora has now agreed to take over the lease of the Main Street hotel, which is owned by pub chain Marston's, and has promised to honour bookings that have already been made.

The 52-year-old said he had also contacted former members of staff in the hope of employing as many as possible.

He said: "The Blenheim had a very good reputation so when it closed, I had a conversation with Marston's about taking over and things have progressed from there.

"We aim to improve on the good reputation and high standards already associated with the hotel and make it a place with a great atmosphere and food, using good quality produce.

"There are existing bookings that people will be concerned about, such as wedding receptions, and over the next week, me and my staff will be contacting as many of them as possible with a view to ensuring their big day is exactly what they dreamed of."

Mr Di Sora, who was born in Rome but came to England 27 years ago and made his home in Derbyshire, already runs the Bridge, in Ashbourne; the Pepper Tree, in Burton; and the Hollingwood Hotel, in Chesterfield; all of which are owned by Marston's.

After 20 years of working in the hotel industry, he opened his first restaurant eight years ago.

The businessmen plans to continue hosting weddings and conferences at Blenheim House Hotel, as well as keeping the existing restaurant and bar, and plans to reopen on Monday.

Mr Di Sora will be running the business with the help of his 25-year-old son, Anthony.

Blenheim House Hotel closed on September 30 and former owner Peter Simpson later revealed he had been handed a tax demand £40,000 in taxes – a bill he could not afford to pay.

The 35-year-old, of Mickle- over, said he had also poured all the equity from his home into the business in a bid to keep it open.