A former jail now being run as a Helston pub has been sold to a London-based buyer, after being put on the market for the first time in 15 years.

The Angel Hotel in Coinagehall Street, which is believed to have originated in the 16th century, is Helston's oldest hotel.

In the past it has been used as the town's Excise office, a former jail and for the holding of Ecclesiastical courts. It was eventually used as a coaching inn and then a hotel.

It was extensively refurbished last year and comprises a public bar, a restaurant seating more than 25 people, a first floor function room with original minstrel gallery and 13 en-suite letting bedrooms, together with a three-bedroom cottage for the owner.

Trevor Bedells, of Scott Burridge Commercial, said: "This was the first time that the hotel had come to the market in almost 15 years. There was considerable interest in this unique property and eventually it was sold to a private, London-based buyer, who is keen to uphold the established traditions of the Angel Hotel. He will be appointing his own management team to run the hotel."

Mr Bedells added that the hotel had put up for sale with an asking price of £200,000 for the leasehold interest and SAV (shares and assets valuation).