COLEFORD'S Bells Hotel could get some extra star quality under the new owners.

New owner Clive McKeag says he wants to transform the hotel from a two to a three star establishment.

Mr McKeag is chairman of North of England Estates which snapped up the Coleford golf course and hotel which was on the market for £2.95 million.

"I am into raising standards," he said.

"One of the first things we will be doing is making it into a three-star hotel.

"Quite honestly, if a hotel is two star, people don't look at it.

"It's very nearly a three star already but there are a number of things we need to do to get that extra star.

"At the minute we are looking at what needs to be done and setting priorities, but we will be spending quite a lot of money on it."

Mr McKeag made a start by calling in the painters and decorators to revamp the Raglan suite for weddings the day after he took over the 52-bedroom hotel and 18-hole course.

He says they have three or four things in mind that will make "a big difference" but have not finalised any plans yet.

The company, founded by the McKeag family which has strong links to Newcastle United, already owns Mount Oswald Manor and Golf Club near Durham.

Former professional golfer and company director Nigel Galvin will spend several days a week in the Forest.

But chairman Mr McKeag is a regular visitor and says he has been impressed.

"One of my best friends lives in Cheltenham so I already knew the Forest," he said.

"It is a bit of a hidden gem and I love it."