A CHARITY stalwart from the Ribble Valley who has dedicated his life to helping others has bought the landmark Midland Hotel in Morecambe.

The iconic art deco hotel has been bought by the Clitheroe-based Lancaster Foundation, which was set up by Ultraframe founder John Lancaster.

The foundation has acquired the freehold of the hotel from the developer Urban Splash for an undisclosed sum.

Lakes Hotel group will continue to run the site day-to-day, but now some of the profits will be used for charity work.

Chris Richardson, develop-ment director for The Lancaster Foundation, said: “The foundation has added to its investment portfolio with The Midland Hotel Morecambe – an Iconic building full of art deco style and character.

“These investments enable the Lancaster Foundation to continue our charity work and support for projects such as The Grand and Skate park in Clitheroe and many other charitable causes throughout UK.”

Last year, Mr Lancaster was recognised in the New Year’s Honours list when he received an MBE for helping the plight of poverty-stricken and Aids victims in South Africa.

The 68-year-old set up conservatory firm Ultraframe in 1983 before selling his share of the business in 2006.

He has dedicated time to local charity projects and set up the Lancaster Foundation, which owns the Grand Theatre venue in Clitheroe.

The Grade II listed Streamline Moderne hotel was built by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS), in 1933, to the designs of architect Oliver Hill, with sculpture by Eric Gill.

After falling into disrepair the three storey curving building which stands on the seafront, was completely restored to its former glory by Manchester-based developers, Urban Splash.

The hotel has appeared in episodes of the TV series Poirot.