The hotel with a royal connection - and it was unveiled in Silver Jubilee year

And less than 30 years later, it would have royal connections of its own thanks to two of its famous visitors.

The Crossways Hotel replaced the old Half Way House at Thornley in 1977 and offered a first-class hotel facilities after a £200,000 investment.

It’s grand arrival took place in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee year and many of you will remember Her Majesty’s visits to Hartlepool and other parts of the North East.

But how many of you remember visits to the Crossways?

The hotel was a Christmas treat to visit. In 1996, as in many years, there was plenty to keep the customer occupied.

Entertainment lined up for the festive period that year including Gofy's Road Show, and the Flying Emperors.

In 1983, the hotel had an over-25s 50-50 disco or you could enjoy a supper and dinner dance with dancing to the Crossways Trio. Who enjoyed a night in the Crossways or perhaps you were a member of the Trio?

Back in 2017, the Hartlepool Mail asked people for their memories of the Crossways and the story reached more than 12,000 people.

Many of you recalled that in April 2000, William and 40 of his fellow students from Eton School spent three nights at the venue as part of an annual geography field trip.

It seems William made the most of his time in East Durham, impressing staff with his impeccable table manners and even proving a dab hand at the karaoke. Apparently, he belted out the 70s disco classic YMCA.

Three years later, Prince Harry made the same trip and also starred on the karaoke.

Yet it was not just royal memories which you all had of the Crossways. Christmas dinners were a hugely popular treat.

Many of you spent festive times there while weddings were just as popular at the venue.

The hotel was later demolished and made way for housing development.

What are your memories of the Crossways? Tell us more by emailing [email protected]