Budget hotel chain Travelodge says it is looking at opening 12 new sites across Kent.

It comes ahead of the official opening this afternoon of its first hotel in Dover.

The hotel started welcoming guests at the end of March, but today will see a formal unveiling of the complex on the £53 million St James' retail and leisure development.

It has 108 rooms on four floors and will be the first of a major push by the brand as it looks to add to its portfolio in the county. It has created 30 new jobs and represents an investment of £9m. Rooms cost from £29 a night.

Details of where the future outlets will be has so far been kept under wraps.

Travelodge is looking to erode the market leader, Premier Inn, in the popular budget category.