A CONSTRUCTION firm is playing a key role in a multi-million pound Hilton hotel building scheme.

Barnfield Construction, which is based at Lomeshaye Industrial Estate, Nelson, has been commissioned to work on two hotels in a £300million UK-wide expansion by the world- famous hotel group.

Work started this month on the firm's new budget chain - Hampton by Hilton. Barnfield's first project is a £3.75million hotel with 90 bedrooms in Corby, Northamptonshire, which will be the first of the Hilton chain to be constructed.

Barnfield is also working with Keighley-based civil and structural engineering consultancy Paul Waite Associates to deliver a Hampton by Hilton hotel adjacent to Coventry FC's Ricoh Arena Stadium.

The 32-metre high hotel is expected to be ready later this year.

Tim Webber, chairman of Barnfield Construction, said: "Being selected as the main contractor for the launch of this new hotel brand in the UK is a resounding endorsement of our experience within the hotel industry.

"We aim to be on time and within budget." Barnfield was formed in 1976 and employs 250 people nationwide.

The hotels - part of an established brand in the US - are operated by Somerston Hotels which runs 33 hotels across the country for three international chains.

Paul Waite, managing director at Paul Waite Associates, said the company's relationship with the Nelson company was vital to the success of the project.

He added: "The substantial growth of the budget hotel market shows little sign of slowing down. Our commitment to applying our expertise to further commissions across the country affirms our cost-effective approach to often complex engineering issues."