THE sale was completed this week of a Minehead hotel which will in future provide accommodation and support for the area’s vulnerable young people within the next two months.

The 20-bedroom Gascony Hotel, run for the past 24 years by Derek and Angela Tomlinson, has now been taken over by the YMCA’s Dulverton Group and will be converted into an accommodation and support hub for homeless individuals and families.

Similar YMCA centres include Minehead’s Beach Hotel.

Derek and Angela said: “While being sad at leaving the hotel after all these years we are delighted that the building will be re-purposed for such a worthwhile cause. We wish YMCA Dulverton group every success in their venture.”

YMCA head of development Peter Stephenson said: “The hotel came onto the market at just the right time, and the whole team have been amazing in bringing it forward to completion.

“Being such a great building and so cared for, within two months we will be able to provide great accommodation and support for those people who require it.”

Stephen Champion, of Christie & Co, which completed the sale, said: “Although it is always disappointing to see a hotel cease trading, we are delighted to see that the building will be going to good use by providing much-needed accommodation for vulnerable young people and families within area.”

The freehold hotel was sold off a guide price of £720,000.