A historic Norwich hotel has returned to private ownership after being bought by a family business.

The Maids Head Hotel in Tombland was previously owned by the Vineyard Group, a hotel management company.

But it was announced yesterday that the Chaplin family, who owns the four-star Gonville hotel in Cambridge, have bought the 13th century hotel.

Chairman David Chaplin said: 'Our family has many connections with the area so it is very exciting to have brought this Norwich icon back into private ownership.'

The current general manager Christine Malcolm will remain at the hotel, as will all other staff.