The departure of John Pennington from the Midland Hotel will sadden many people across the city. In the space of just six years, he has turned a derelict building into a thriving hotel which has become one of the potent symbols of Bradford's ongoing battle to regenerate the centre of the city.

The success of the Pennington has been particularly beneficial to the Forster Square side of the city centre and the offspin has provided a boost to other local businesses and retailers in the area.

More important, John and Josie Pennington have left a real legacy for Bradford. The hotel itself, of course, is the major legacy but the couple have also left us with a striking example of what can be achieved through sheer hard work.

The success of the venture is also a testament to their entrepreneurial courage - a commodity which, with a few notable exceptions, is still in too short a supply in Bradford.We can only wish the Penningtons well with their future plans - whatever they turn out to be. They certainly deserve their success.

As for the hotel itself, let us hope that the new owners show the imagination and staying power necessary to take it from strength to strength.

Their purchase, can already be seen as an initial demonstration of faith in the city's future prosperity. And it is encouraging to hear Robert Peel declare that he intends to make the hotel the best business conference venue in Bradford.

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