A RIBBLE Valley hotel is to become a Mercure-branded venue as part of a new franchise deal.

As part of the agreement, the name of the Foxfields Hotel in Billington has been changed to Mercure Blackburn Ribble Valley Hotel.

Jobs at the 44-bed venue have been safeguarded.

The Mercure chain, which is part of the Accor group, operates more than 700 hotels in over 50 countries, including the Dunkenhalgh in Clayton-le-Moors.

Jean-Jacques Dessors, chief operating officer, Accor UK and Ireland, said: "We look forward to opening our doors to our guests.”

Focus Hotels Management remain owners of the hotel, formerly known as the Clarion.