AT least 25 news jobs are to created at a west Suffolk hotel under a �1.5million expansion programme.

The four-star Bedford Lodge Hotel in Newmarket plans to add 21 additional bedrooms next year, with work due to start in January.

Noel Byrne, chief executive, said: “This is part of our ongoing, mid-to-long-term vision to develop the hotel with the full commitment of the owners, Review Hotels. We’re really excited about the prospect of adding to our existing 55 bedrooms and creating local jobs.”

The hotel’s existing bedrooms will also be refurbished, on top of an investment of �60,000 in May to provide the latest digital television equipment for guests and the refurbishment of its health club and conference rooms in recent years.

Mr Byrne added: “The latest refurbishment works will offer guests a much more contemporary feel to the hotel whilst still retaining the semi-minimalist vision which we have created.”