The 13-bedroom White Lion Hotel in the heart of Upton-upon-Severn has been sold to Stow on the Wold-based Donnington Brewery.

The Grade-II listed former coaching inn has been under the ownership of Jon and Chris Lear since 1997, who after 25 years at the helm have sold the property in order to retire.

Peter Brunt, from Colliers Hotel Agency handled the sale.

Chris and Jon said: "We've thoroughly enjoyed our tenure at the White Lion. We both left our roles in the corporate hotel market to run our own business our way, and we have definitely done that! Being in the heart of the town we've served the local community, as well as supported the numerous events that take place in Upton every year.

"Now is the time for us to step back from the industry, but we're delighted to be handing it to a company and family like Johnny's that has deep routes in hospitality as well."

John Arkell of Donnington Brewery said: "We're delighted to add the White Lion Hotel to our portfolio of Donnington Brewery pubs, we have a strong reputation in the area for providing good quality local beers as well as great hospitality.

"The new tenants Michelle and Michael McClusky will be picking up the mantel from Jon and Chris and providing great customer service and accomodation, alongside our brilliant beers."

The White Lion Hotel stands out in the town centre with its yellow stucco façade and lion sculpture over the entrance. The restaurant and bar offer covers for more than 80-guests, and the venue includes a rear car park.

On completion day Peter Brunt presented Jon and Chris with five pounds so that they could say the property had sold for more than their target price.

Mr Brunt said: "Jon and Chris are really part of the local community and I'm pleased we've been able to sell their business on to an organisation that really believes in local hospitality so that they can enjoy a well-earned rest.

"Also I couldn't help but stick my hand in my own pocket and hand over a fiver - they were really delightful clients to deal with and it gave us something to laugh about as they prepared to hand the business over to Johnny and Donnington."