A MOTORWAY service station near Bolton is to become one of the first in the country to have a Comfort Inn for weary travellers.

Friendly Hotels has signed a franchise agreement with First Motorway Services, which operates two sites on the M61 near Bolton and on the M4 in South Wales.

Both hotels were previously marketed as First Lodge.

The 32-room Bolton West Inn is on the south side of a double-sided site between junctions six and eight on the M61 near Horwich.

Rob Miller, managing director of First Motorway Services, said: "Having looked at other brands, we decided that not only is Comfort Inn the right way forward for our business, it also offers the best deal in the market place.

"Our properties offer great value budget accommodation and we feel they will benefit from being part of a brand."

Tony Potter, Friendly Hotels chief executive, said: "As part of the strategy for the Comfort Inn brand, out move into two key motorway service areas is a major breakthrough for us, and paves the way future expansion of the brand.

"Bolton and Magor in South Wales are two very high profile sites and they will give the brand greater exposure to help it grow into an instantly recognisable name with the public."

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