Bannatyne Bury St Edmunds Spa Hotel has had its AA 5 Star status renewed, with an inspection report praising the property's gym and fitness studios.

The Neo-Jacobean mansion in Suffolk offers hotel accommodation, restaurant, health club and spa.

As well as praising the property and gardens, the inspector’s report said the "leisure facilities had benefited from major investment and the new gym and fitness studios are impressive and complement the upgraded spa facilities and new treatment rooms."

In 2016, £750,000 was spent on the renovation and refurbishment of the hotel's health club, when it was known as Clarice House. A further £375,000 has been invested in the hotel's spa facilities.

Daryl Johnson, general manager of the hotel, said: “It is very rewarding that our very high standards have been independently verified by the AA inspection.

“It is testament to the hard work of the whole team, and the significant investment the Bannatyne Group has made in the hotel, spa and gym facilities.

“We strive to offer guests an exceptional experience and are delighted that Bury St Edmunds Spa Hotel has received five star accreditation.”

Johnson, who was appointed manager of the hotel last year, was previously health club manager of Celtic Manor Resort.