A hotel chain is to create 1,000 jobs across the UK this year under a £100 million investment programme. Travelodge said it will open 15 new hotels, adding to the 500 it already runs, with five of the new ones located in London, strengthening its position as the biggest hotel group in the capital.

New hotels will also open in Glasgow, Manchester, Southampton, Southport, Harrogate, Christchurch, Llandudno, Chertsey, Egham, and Ryde on the Isle of Wight.

The new jobs will include managers, receptionists, cleaners and restaurant staff.

Travelodge chief executive Peter Gowers said: "During the last year we modernised more than 200 of our hotels across the country and we are on schedule to transform the majority of our portfolio by this autumn.

"With this further investment in new hotels, we're delighted to be expanding into great new locations where our customers want to go, for both business and leisure.

"As a result of our ongoing trading and expansion, we'll be recruiting 1,000 people this year, offering a further boost for local economies and creating more opportunities for career development in the growing hospitality industry."