NO MESSING: That's another fine gig you've gotten me into.

These two stunning Laurel and Hardy lookalikes were on hand to welcome nearly 200 guests to a Hollywood-theme dinner marking the opening of the Royal York Hotel's £2.5 million conference facilities

With true silver screen razmatazz, guests sipping champagne at their orchid-decorated tables saw a fast-moving video of Principal Hotels' achievements all over the world, ending with a real whoosh and bang of indoor fireworks.

The host was Richard Newman, Principal Hotels' director of development, who explained that the centre, built on an old Roman burial ground, was developed to blend with the architecture of the 19th century hotel and neighbouring railway station.

The centre, big enough to take 410 delegates, has an inter-active media wall, full air-conditioning and computerised systems, as well as extensive banqueting facilities.

It comes hot on the heels of a £1.5 million investment at the hotel to provide a leisure facility, including swimming pool, whirlpool, large gym and sauna.