Budget hotel chain Travelodge has revealed that it will open new hotels in Lancashire this year as part of a countrywide expansion creating over 500 new jobs. According to the The Press Association, the firm is investing £115 million in its latest expansion programme, which will lead to 26 new hotels being opened and more than 2,000 rooms being added.

As well as Morecambe in Lancashire, other hotels will be opened in Edinburgh, London, Aberdeen, Chichester, and Colwyn Bay.

Travelodge chief executive Grant Hearn said: "Despite a very challenging market, we have chosen to invest and grow throughout the recession and for many more years to come.

"The prevailing economic climate has accelerated the forecasted structural change of the hotel market as consumers have chosen low cost, quality accommodation rather than overpriced full service and mid-market establishments."

The new hotels will take Travelodge to more than 400 UK properties representing over 30,000 rooms.

Travelodge said it would continue its focus on recruiting from the long term unemployed with roles ranging from managers to cleaners.