TRAVELODGE plans to create more than 3,000 jobs in the coming years under expansion plans which could involve more hotels in Dorset.

The company has previously said it is eyeing Weymouth, Dorchester, Shaftesbury and Swanage for new hotels.

It plans to open around 100 new Travelodge sites over five years.

The group saw revenue climb 8.8 per cent to £693.3million in the year to December 31, while adjusted earnings grew £9.6m to £122m.

Boss Peter Gowers said: “We extended our network of hotels, remained focused on delivering attractive prices and took another step forward on quality.”

Travelodge warned that the economic situation remains “uncertain”, with Brexit causing alarm for businesses.

“These are uncertain times and we are not immune from the short-term challenges, but beyond, we remain confident that there are more opportunities ahead,” Mr Gowers added.

When it opened in Poole in 2016, Travelodge said its search for new sites in Dorset could create around 200 jobs. It said there was a shortage of quality accommodation at a value price in the county.

Announcing its results, Travelodge bemoaned “significant” cost increases, citing the National Living Wage and business rates, but said it had successfully navigated these challenges.