ONE of the area's landmark hotels has been given a multi-million-pound refurbishment that could help bring in extra jobs to the town.

Plans were approved for the owners of the Tickled Trout Hotel, Samlesbury, near Preston, to build 30 new bedrooms, a new conference and business centre and a new banqueting suite accommodating up to 200 people.

The move has already brought about a dozen new jobs to the area in preparation, and the hotel is likely to take on another dozen as the new wing opens.

Beverly Payne, operations director for MacDonald Hotels, owners of the Tickled Trout, said: "Like all these projects we recruit a bit in advance. Like the house keeping staff we have taken on board as the rooms go from 70 to 102.

"Another dozen are likely to come on board if the development progresses."

The company run over 100 hotels in England and Spain, with a turnover of more than £250 million. They employ more than 6,000 people.