Blackburn’s very own Hampton by Hilton hotel - the first in East Lancashire - will delay opening its doors to the public until 2021.

The 150-room hotel was supposed to open this summer, but instead the company has told locals and potential visitors to "watch this space" and look out for a new opening date later this year.

The company did not give a reason for the delay, but a spokesperson added that delays to construction projects are commonplace.

Reacting to the announcement, Councillor Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen’s regeneration boss, said: “Whilst it’s a disappointment, it’s no surprise that the hotel has slipped behind schedule in the current circumstances.

“Once it is ready, it will certainly add to the local attractions.”

When it opens, the hotel will have 150 rooms and conferencing facilities for 1,400 people.

It will be based at the £100m Frontier Park complex – part of a major regeneration project for the town.

The hotel is the latest addition to the 90-acre complex, after the completion of Euro Garages’ £5 million retail site, including a drive-thru KFC and Greggs, Spar, Starbucks and Totally Wicked outlet.

The complex has created hundreds of jobs so far and aims to create around 2,000 positions upon completion in 2022.