Swallow Hotels, part of the London and Edinburgh Inns group, has bought the Springfield hotel in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear.

The 61-bedroom hotel occupies a prominent site fronting the A167 and is around four miles south of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Facilities include a 50-seat bar, a 50-seat conservatory lounge, a 60-seat restaurant, and four conference and meeting rooms. Outside, there is parking space for up to 80 cars.

The Newcastle office of Christie + Co sold the freehold property on behalf of Bill and Malcolm Walker for close to the guide price of £5m.