THIRTY jobs are being created by a £4.5million development of East Lancashire's only four-star hotel.

The Dunkenhalgh Hotel, off Dunkenhalgh Way, Clayton-le-Moors, will have 50 of its 122 bedrooms refurbished, 55 new rooms built and a doubling in size of its Vital Leisure Club.

General manager Calum Colquhoun said: "This is an exciting period in the hotel's history. When complete the accommodation will be of the highest standard and residents as well as non-residents will be able to enjoy the very best in leisure facilities.

"The Dunkenhalgh has built up a good relationship with leisure and business travellers alike through the UK and these later developments should prove an even greater attraction."

The work is starting soon and is expected to be completed by February.

It will create eight new jobs in the leisure club and at least 20 roles, either part time or full time, in the hotel.

The development follows a £1million investment by owners Macdonald Hotels last year, which was used to build a conference centre.