AN AWARD-winning East Lancashire hotel is building a £1.25million extension to create new bedrooms after demand rocketed.

Developers will increase bedroom capacity at Mytton Fold Hotel in the Ribble Valley from 28 to 43 rooms. They will also refurbish the bar and dining areas.

The boost comes after a successful year for the hotel, in Whalley Road, Langho, during which it was crowned small hotel of the year at the prestigious Lancashire and Blackpool Tourism Awards.

Bosses also hope the extension work could create more jobs in the long-term.

Hotel director Barbara Bryan said: “As the hotel and golf club has become more popular it has become more difficult to accommodate all of the people that want to come and stay, particularly those who visit on golfing breaks and for a wedding.

“It is an exciting time for everyone connected with the hotel and we are confident our guests will appreciate the new bedrooms once the project is finished.”

Mytton Fold was originally a working dairy farm before owners Frank and Lilian Hargreaves converted stables into bed and breakfast accommodation in 1982.

The complex is now managed by the couple’s three children, David, Carole and Barbara, who have helped transform it into one of East Lancashire’s leading leisure hotels, employing 80 staff.

As well as catering for weddings, it also boasts large conference and banqueting facilities and an 18-hole golf course.

The extension work, which was financed by banking giant NatWest, is due to be completed in May.

NatWest manager Phil Derbyshire said: “Barbara, Carole and David have worked very hard to establish Mytton Fold as one of the best hotels in the North West.

“We are very happy to have assisted the development of this successful family business.”