THE Trout Hotel in Cockermouth is set to reopen in the coming days following a huge refurbishment programme after the floods.

The riverside Crown Street hotel suffered extensive damage in December and has undergone massive repairs, renovations and improvements over the last six months.

It will unveil a new interior design, fabrics, furnishings, fittings and 16 brand new bathrooms, as well as new menus, when it reopens this month.

Managing director Sue Eccles said: “It hasn’t been easy getting to this point but rather than dwell on the negatives we want to look to the future.

"This is an exciting time for the Trout. We didn’t just repair the damage caused by the floods, we have made additional significant investments and improvements and are very proud of what we have achieved.

“We have long enjoyed genuine loyalty from our local guests and we hope they feel we have preserved their favourite elements of the Trout, while introducing some changes.

“We can’t wait to reopen our doors and welcome everyone back.”

The Trout recently held its first wedding since the floods.

Cockermouth couple Chris Cookson and Judy Whiteside had planned on tying the knot at hotel on May 26 but, following the floods, had to postpone their wedding by two months.