THE businessman who plans to take over The George Hotel, Yarmouth, has rubbished claims he said he wanted to turn the town into St Tropez.

Howard Spooner is due to sign a three-year lease, with an option to buy from current owner Dame Dianne Thompson next Monday.

Speaking exclusively to the County Press while on holiday in Mauritius, he said: "I don't want Yarmouth residents thinking I'm coming across to party, I'm not at all.

"I'm simply continuing the trajectory which Dame Dianne has already set.

"I am a family man and I want the hotel to be family orientated. There will be a treatment room which will include a hot tub, sauna and spa.

"These are facilities that people who are coming over for a nice relaxing weekend can enjoy.

"The article in the Daily Telegraph made it look like I was Hugh Hefner coming over to party.

"These are just ideas at the moment. I never said anything about St Tropez.

"With staycations on the rise, bad flying experiences, and Brexit looming, why waste time and money going abroad when there is treasure on the doorstep in the form of the Isle of Wight?

"That's what I want to achieve in Yarmouth.

"There are also rumours about a sports bar, but that is not the case.

"I want to utilise the restaurant area which is Isla's to make it a lounge with a television so adults and children can enjoy it in comfort, that's all."

Entrepreneur Mr Spooner was a partner with Guy Pelly, a childhood friend of Princes William and Harry, and had nightclubs in Chelsea, Fulham, Clapham and Hammersmith.

He also had a club in Verbier a popular ski resort in Switzerland when the royals visited.

He added: "I am in this for the long haul and the three-year lease is accompanied by an option to buy the freehold which I intend to do as soon as I feel comfortable.

"Hopefully, The George will add to the fantastic facilities we already have here on the Island."