P&T Classic Hotels' move to become Classic Hotels is designed to boost sales at its three 'historic' properties: Dumbelton Hall, Worcestershire, Friars Carse Country House Hotel, near Dumfries and the Waterhead Hotel, Coniston Water.

New brochures have launched Classic Hotels with the focus on character and location; regional advertising and a PR campaign support the marketing drive.

Marianne Watts, marketing manager said: 'P&T Classic Hotels was founded in the 1950s by the Post Office Fellowship as a living memory to the GPO employees who lost their lives in the two World Wars.

'Our history remains fundamental to our company and our ethos will not change, however, this new name is key to our rebranding as we are now wholly independent of the Post Office.'

The hotel chain is open to the general public but still offers extra benefits and discounts for its Post Office membership of 20,000.