A landmark hotel in Great Yarmouth has suddenly shut causing shock and disappointment just nine days before Christmas.

Contractors are currently on site at the Star Hotel in Hall Quay fixing metal covers to the windows and doors and say the whole building will take three days to secure.

Staff in the neighbouring Larke's estate agents expressed their shock and said activity to close down the building began at around 1pm today.

Several passers-by had also called into their office to ask what was going on.

The hotel is tonight plunged into darkness except for a few lights on in the river-facing Nelson Bar.

Festive trimmings are clearly visible and banners pinned to the front railings advertise their party nights, Christmas Day offer and New Years Eve party.

One reader said via Facebook: 'We booked our first Christmas dinner at the Star Hotel in Great Yarmouth.

'As it was only going to be myself my husband and my elderly father in law, everything was booked and paid for. This morning they phoned to say they had to cancel, as they have a sewage problem. They said the refund would come back into our account within three to five days.

'But everywhere is already fully booked. We have moved recently and got no dining table. I've tried the Cliff Hotel and they are fully booked, as it seems is everywhere.

'I wanted it to be lovely for my father in law who is in his 80s.'

Have you been affected? Email liz.coates@archant.co.uk