STAFF at Minehead's York House Inn face a bleak Christmas after the venue unexpectedly closed its doors last week.

The hotel and pub in The Avenue was bought by the company Trojan Taverns in 2007 after being run by the Bohun family for many years.

Company director Jonathan Swannack told the Free Press yesterday: "The York is currently closed but may reopen after Christmas."

Mr Swannack said the business had been in joint directorship with Joyce Jesson - the wife of local businessman and former resort director at Butlins holiday centre Kyran Jesson - until about a month or six weeks ago.

He said the York was not in administration but staff had been laid off permanently.

Mr Swannack said he hoped the situation would be clearer in the new year.

The York has 15 en suite rooms, a function suite and big screen facilities for sports fans, as well as bars and a restaurant.