WHITBREAD, the hospitality giant behind the Costa Coffee chain, has unveiled plans to expand and refurbish its four Premier Inn hotels in the Falkirk area.

The investment, which will add 66 bedrooms across the properties, comes as tourism leaders aim to boost overnight stays in the area on the back of a five-year strategy devised by VisitFalkirk.

Falkirk's reputation as a tourism destination is growing on the back of attractions such as The Kelpies and The Falkirk Wheel. The Kelpies attracted around one million visitors in its first year since the 30 foot sculptures were launched at the Helix Park.

Whitbread is looking to add 20 bedrooms and 31 existing rooms at the Falkirk Central Premier Inn, with the work starting from August.

Twenty rooms are expected to be added to the Falkirk East Premier Inn by October, while the Falkirk North Premier Inn will be extended by 26 bedrooms by early 2016.

Sixty bedrooms have already been added at the Falkirk Larbert Premier Inn have already been refurbished as part of the project.

David Christmas, project and programme manager for Premier Inn, said: "Falkirk is an excellent location for our guests and we are confident that our new extensions will contribute positively to Falkirk's vibrant tourism industry - attracting new visitors to the area and delivering new investment and jobs."