DUDLEY'S famous Station Hotel has reportedly been sold.

The landmark hotel, which dates back to 1936, in its heydays in the 40s and 50s welcomed the stage stars of the day appearing at what was the Dudley Hippodrome over the road and in more recent years it has been famed for its spirits of a ghostly kind - often staging ghost nights and welcoming top mediums.

The venue in Castle Hill had been closed through the coronavirus lockdown but a note posted on its Facebook page says the hotel has now been sold and has ceased trading.

It reads: "It is with a heavy heart Helen, Chris and our amazing team have to announce that The Station Hotel has been sold and now ceased trading. At this sad time we would like to thank all our valued customers over the years, whatever the occasion it has been a great honour to welcome all of you. Thank you once again for your support and stay safe."

Anyone with an enquiry can contact them by email, it adds.

A number of people have reported having to cancel their weddings, booked at the venue, due to the pandemic.

There has also been an outpouring of sadness on social media at the closure of the hotel which has been a popular haunt for wedding, corporate and celebratory occasions plus boxing events hosted by Brooklands ABC.

Originally built in 1910, The Station Hotel was demolished in 1936 to build a larger hotel.

During its illustrious past the hotel welcomed a raft of top stars including Laurel and Hardy, George Formby, Bob Hope and Jonny Ray.

In the 60s, the hotel was modernised and a cocktail bar opened upstairs. A function room bar was also added downstairs and was reputed to be the longest bar in the country at the time.

In 2003 TV ghost hunter Derek Acorah and his team carried out an investigation at the hotel which is considered one of the Black Country's most haunted buildings.