One of the UK and Ireland's biggest and fastest growing hotel companies has confirmed its intention to open a premises in Tenby.

A 61-bedroom 'small format' Premier Inn hotel and restaurant is proposed for the former Royal Gatehouse Hotel site.

Subject to planning permission, construction will begin in December and the hotel will create approximately 45 jobs on opening.

Richard Pearson, acquisition manger for Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, said: "Premier Inn is one of the UK's leading brands and we are expanding across the country as we respond to strong demand for our high quality, affordable product and our customers' desire for more Premier Inn bedrooms in great locations.

"We currently have 49,000 Premier Inn across the UK, and these latest deals take us closer to achieving our target of 65,000 bedrooms by 2016.

"The South West of England and Wales is a key market for us and these new developments mean we can provide our customers with even more great locations across the region.

"Not only is this great news for our customers, but the region will benefit too as our investment will create jobs and help to attract additional visitors to the area."

Tenby Town Council is due to discuss an application for a new premises licence for the proposed Premier Inn at White Lion Street on Tuesday evening. At the same meeting, they are also due to speak with Mr. Simon Fry to receive an update on the Royal Gatehouse site and associated developments.