A NEW Highbridge hotel has officially opened - bringing 25 new jobs to the area.

Travelodge has officially unveiled the 75-room, £6 million venue, at Siger Drive, near the Isleport Business park, which also features a bar and cafe.

It was officially opened by Gary Steele, south west regional director of the firm and David Neale, district manager for Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.

Mr Steele said: “I am delighted to officially open our first hotel in Highbridge, Burnham-on-Sea.

"Our new 570th Travelodge hotel is a great addition and is ideally located to help attract new business and leisure travellers to the area.

"This is great news for the local economy as our research shows annually Travelodge customers will spend £2 million with local businesses during their stay.”

The hotel is being managed by Yenny Rodriguez, who said: “I am very proud to have built a fantastic team who are as passionate as me about delivering great customer service.

"Our new hotel has got off to a flying start and having an onsite restaurant is a big hit. Customers love to kick start their day with our unlimited hot breakfast.

“Business on the books looks very encouraging and we are set for a busy festive season. It looks like we will the town’s spare room provider as lots of locals have booked rooms for their family and friends who are visiting this Christmas.”