The dilapidated Spaniard Inn at Bramshott Chase off the A3 has been demolished, after standing empty for more than 30 years.

It was sold to Barons BMW Hindhead in January 2016 and planning permission for a new luxury car showroom was given by East Hampshire District Council in February 2018.

A spokesman for Barons said: "Work has now started on the site and it should be fully cleared by the end of this week. Groundworks will then commence which will take a good few months.

"The early estimate is that the site won’t take more than a year to complete and at this point the new BMW and Mini showroom should be ready for business around the middle of next year."

In the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, the building was known as the Seven Thorns Hotel, then it became The Spaniard, and finally a nightclub called The Ravens.

The Herald is launching an appeal for readers to send in their memories and pictures of the building on the A3. Please email [email protected].