BUSINESS is booming at Tavistock's prestigious Bedford Hotel — the only problem is finding enough staff.
The hotel was taken over by Mr and Mrs Philip Davies, owners of the Two Bridges Hotel on Dartmoor, last September with a promise to return it to its former glory.
The hotel has since been redecorated and the restaurant awarded the AA's red rosette, but there is a shortage of staff to cope with demand.
'We are desperately trying to recruit staff — we're so busy,' said hotel spokeswoman Jane Waters.
'But we are having difficulties finding the right people.'
Mrs Waters has even had to bring in her daughter to help out.
The company has advertised in the Times and the Job Centre, as well as national hospitality industry journals, but there remain at least five vacancies in the Bedford Hotel and many more at the Two Bridges Hotel.
Mrs Waters said it was difficult finding people willing to travel across the moor.
All the posts are permanent, full-time positions as the hotels remain busy throughout the winter and especially around Christmas, said Mrs Waters.
l The hotel has just been granted planning permission to re-surface the car park with granite cobbles.
A fountain is also to be installed, plus flood lighting and an automatic security barrier.