A YOUTUBER who explores abandoned buildings has visited a dilapidated hotel in Worcestershire.

Matthew Reynolds, who visits empty buildings across the UK, has been inside the Raven Hotel in Droitwich and filmed the experience for his social media account Urban Exploring UK.

"I started posting on YouTube and Facebook about three months ago, but I used to explore abandoned buildings when I was younger and I loved watching other people do it online."

Mr Reynolds explained why he enjoys visiting abandoned places: "It's the character of these buildings I get to explore.

"There's always a story behind these buildings and why they were abandoned and getting to see that is something I love."

In July, Mr Reynolds visited Droitwich's Raven Hotel which has parts of the structure dating back to the 16th century.

The luxury hotel closed its doors in 2010 and few have seen inside the historic building since - though it has been a hotspot for anti-social behaviour. 

"I love the architecture and the history of the hotel," Mr Reynolds said.

Read more: Update on the Raven hotel after council demand repair works

Read more: Old Broadwaters pub in Kidderminster visited by urban explorers

Plans to convert the Grade II-listed building into a mixed-use site including 48 homes, a brine bath and a gin bar received the green light in 2022.

However, little progress has been made on the project with Wychavon District Council being forced to step in and order urgent repair works to the structure's roof in July.

"It was sad seeing the state it is in," he said, "It's the way the structure has deteriorated over time.

"Through the years it could've been saved but it feels like it's been left to rot."

The inside of the hotel was in terrible condition. Much of the interior decoration had been stripped with graffiti covering the walls.

"There's hardly anything left inside the building now," Mr Reynolds said.

Despite this, the YouTuber was able to see beauty in what was left: "The stained glass windows are beautiful but, unfortunately, a lot of them have now been smashed.

"I really liked what was left the old-style wooden panelling on the walls as well."

Last week, Wychavon District Council gave the owner of the historic building a week to confirm when repairs to the damaged roof of the building would take place.

Now, the building's owners have responded to the council and said work is set to take place on the former historic hotel.