STAFF stand to land £1,000 bonuses if they identify suitable sites to help a major Whitbread expansion in the North-west.

The food, drink and leisure company, which already employs around 12,500 people in the region, is currently involved in a £31 million regional development programme.

The company, which has Bolton-born Peter Jarvis at its head, runs various divisions including Brewers Fayre, TGI Friday's, Travel Inn, Pizza Hut, Beefeater, Wine Rack, Bottoms Up, David Lloyd Leisure tennis centres, Costa Coffee boutiques and the Pelican range of eateries such as Cafe Rouge.

Whitbread employees have been told they will be paid £1,000 if they find suitable sites for much-needed outlets.

Northern Regional Director Norman Jepson - calling the Evening News during a business trip to San Francisco - said: "We regard Bolton as a very important area."

Mr Jepson, who is based in Blackburn, said they were looking for sites "right across the division."

He said: "We are always getting sites suggested by staff.

. "Last year we paid £1,000 to a member of staff who found us one in Bolton for the Hogs Head in Bradshawgate."

Whitbread, which announces its half year results tomorrow, says 600 new jobs will be created in the next few months as a result of its expansion in the North-west.

It is a long way from its days as a brewery pure and simple.

Travel Inns, for instance, are 40-bedroom budget accommodation blocks often attached to Beefeaters and Brewers Fayre premises.

A room for up to four people costs £35.50.

TGI Friday's - the nearest to Bolton is in Prestwich - are "fun" establishments with an American dining concept.

Wine Rack and Bottoms Up are off-licences.

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