A FAMOUS hotel, where a real Agatha Christie mystery took place, has played host to 125 people from 15 top business travel agents and conference organisers.

The Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate was showcasing the result of a £6 million revamp of its 136 bedrooms, restaurants, five conference and banqueting suites and public areas, as well as the rebuilding of its Garden Room and ballroom.

Sue Briggs, the hotel's sales manager, said: "We wanted the top agencies in the country to see for themselves the stunning transformation which has taken place."

Guests enjoyed a champagne welcome, sumptuous dinner, and a chance to gamble at fun casino tables or hit the dance floor.

Paul Gill, hotel general manager, said: "I was delighted with the number of people who accepted our invitation to our first agents' evening, and we are looking forward to being recommended as the premier hotel in Harrogate."

The Old Swan, which dates from 1840, is where whodunnit author Agatha Christie was found after vanishing for ten days in 1926.

She had checked in under the name of her husband's mistress, claiming she had lost her memory.