A Greater Manchester hotel which first opened its doors in 1970 has closed.

Staff confirmed the closure of The Birch Hotel, near Heywood , with a heartfelt message on social media last night (August 28).

The 30-bedroom hotel, which hosted weddings and events , closed its doors for the final time on Thursday after the building was sold.

The hotel did have a number of future bookings arranged, but managers say all deposits will be fully refunded.

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In a post on Facebook, the hotel wrote: "It is with the deepest sadness that we announce The Birch Hotel has closed its doors today (Thursday).

"The premises has now been sold, however to confirm it will NOT be repurposed for alternative housing arrangements.

"We would like to extend

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