LYME'S biggest hotel, the historic Royal Lion, in Broad Street, has been sold for an undisclosed sum.

Owner Brian Sienesi, who has run the Royal Lion with his wife Judy for the past 19 years, said this week that the signing of the completion papers was imminent, the new proprietor being Ms Lesley Stone, of Lymington, who also had an hotel in Bournemouth.

It is understood that the hotel will be run by a manager, and Mr Sienesi has confirmed that the present staff of around 20 will keep their jobs.

Mr and Mrs. Sienesi, who have a home in Monkton Wyld, will retain a small interest in the trade through self-catering accommodation they own.

The Royal Lion, which has 30 bedrooms, dates back to 1601 and has played a significant role in the prosperity and social life of the town for a very long period.

The Sienesis have greatly improved the facilities of the hotel over the years, while being careful to preserve its ambience. They have spent an estimated £ half million on an elegant swimming pool complex and extra en- suite rooms and are confident that the Royal Lion will continue to meet the needs of a discerning public.

Mr Sienesi, a former public house licensee who came to Lyme Regis from Midford, near Bath, took the plunge at the Royal Lion after falling in love with it during a business-hunting trip.

"Judy and I have absolutely no wish to leave the area," he said. "But I am 66 and feel I have done my stint in the full time catering business. We are pleased to have the opportunity to ease down.

"The new owner will meet the undertaking we have given to support the annual jazz festival this year, and I am delighted because the event is good for the town. Of course I, too, will remain committed to the festival.

"It has been great fun, if hard work, running the Royal Lion where we have had some good times. The new owner will, I am sure, make further progress for the benefit of Lyme and the holiday industry and will nurture the great qualities and traditions of the Royal Lion."