A RUNCORN hotel is offering married couples called Mary and Joseph a free night’s stay on Christmas Eve.

Any couples looking to take advantage of the offer must provide photographic ID on arrival at the Campanile Hotel on Lowlands Road.

Jennie Caldwell, general manager, said: "It’s that time of year when millions of us hear the tale about how there was no room at the inn for Mary and Joseph which got us thinking, what if we could do our own little bit to right the wrongs of this?

“Hotel rooms are in high-demand at Christmas time as people search for accommodation while visiting family – something which the original Mary and Joseph can relate to as they struggled to find a suitable resting place.

“While our rooms are booking up fast, this year we will be reserving one room and a parking space just in case we get a surprise phone call or visit from Mary, Joseph and their donkey.”

For more details call 01928 581771.