A leading budget hotel chain says it is on track to opening new sites close to Kent railway stations.

Travelodge, which is pursuing a strategy of rapid growth across the county - most recently with a new site in Ashford town centre - says it has identified four key areas it wants to be represented in.

It says it wants to open more hotels in commuter towns.

And it has identified Gillingham, Maidstone and Tonbridge among a number of sites across the country.

All are on a previous list of sites it revealed in April of last year as part of its expansion plans.

Tony O’Brien, Travelodge UK property director said: “Our next stop is to open hotels by railway stations in key commuter towns across the south east that have a fast service into London.

"These towns are important business locations in their own right and are growing at pace and attracting businesses of all sizes.

"They are also a magnet for savvy travellers who are seeking low cost accommodation and don’t mind travelling into the capital.

"We are actively looking for sites in: Broxbourne, Gillingham, Haywards Heath, Maidstone, Reading, Shoreham, Stevenage, Tonbridge, Ware and Watford. Collectively this expansion would represent an investment of £60 million for third party investors and create around 300 new jobs.”

Read more about the shortage of hotels in the county.