THE official opening of Poole's new Travelodge will take place today, with a special event for residents.

The hotel at Lifeboat Quay on Holes Bay Road is the first Travelodge to open in Poole, and the sixth in Dorset.

A treasure hunt will be held for residents on Wednesday, with prizes including a luxury king-sized bed, UK family weekend breaks and chests of chocolate.

And the latest gadgets will be used to find the prizes with GPS mapping helping people through the challenges.

The three-hour hunt will see people dressed up in costumes helping participants to complete photo quests to gain the maximum points for their team.

Mayor of Poole, Cllr Xena Dion, will join Travelodge UK development director, Tony O'Brien for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

The hotel, which has 125 rooms as well as a bar and cafe, has created 31 jobs and represents an investment value of £9.5million.

Those wanting to take part should arrive at 12.15pm.