40 years and counting
A family of Blackpool hoteliers are celebrating 40 years in business.
Peter McSorley was just 19 when his parents invested in a humble boarding house on Albert Road in 1968.
Soon afterwards they bought an adjoining property and proceeded to convert it into one hotel. That marked the launch of The Sutcliffe Hotel.
Today, the hotel has 50 bedrooms and a two-star VisitBritain rating, and the McSorley family - under the stewardship of Peter - remain very much at the helm.
In August 2008, the family marked their 40 years in business at The Sutcliffe Hotel with a VIP celebration and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.
Peter said: "We have always been aware that to survive in this business, you have to be prepared to work hard and invest to stay ahead, do the best you can, and do all you can to ensure the guests are treated with respect and courtesy."
Peter and his wife, Sandra, have two children, Simon and Amy, who have both been raised in the hotel environment and although they are currently pursuing their own careers, the Sutcliffes are hoping that in 20 years' time they will be celebrating 60 years of family ownership.