A COUPLE have celebrated a massive milestone after completing 50 years in charge of a Clacton hotel.

Carol and Peter Oleggini have been running Chudleigh Hotel in Agate Road since November 1963.

And the proud hoteliers say it was meant to be after falling in love with the property upon their chance first viewing.

Over the years the couple have worked hard to keep Chudleigh moving forwards in the changing times.

Carol said: “In a seaside town it is always very busy during the summer months followed by absolutely nothing in winter, though we have worked to change that over the years.

“When we first started the business was not so commercial, a bit more family oriented.

“Everything has its ups and downs but we have always enjoyed it.

“We always wanted to maintain that family feel, and that is one of the advantages of being around so long.

“Even though we have been here for 50 years hopefully it still feels fresh and new. Constantly updating and keeping up with the trends is what this business is all about.

“You have to keep up and we are proud to have been going strong for this long.”

The couple moved to Clacton in its heyday but have seen the town fall on harder times.

Carol said: “But you have got to have hope. Back in the 60s we came and invested our money and ourselves in the town.

“We just need people to keep doing that and there is a bright future for Clacton. Hope comes from the prospect of future developments and investment."

Carol and Peter held a party with friends and family to celebrate their 50-year milestone.

And while they have one eye on retirement, they don’t plan to call it a day just yet.