A CHESHIRE-BORN businessman has returned to his roots to acquire one of the UK’s first-ever budget hotels, in a deal worth £750,000.

Jeff Riley, and his wife Marjorie, have acquired Tall Trees Lodge, near Warrington, which they plan to refurbish and rename.

Tall Trees Lodge opened in October, 1992, and was one of the first budget hotels in the UK. The three-star hotel, on Tarporley Road, Lower Whitley, has 20 en-suite rooms.

Mr Riley said: “We are excited at the challenge that lies ahead and are looking forward to welcoming our first guests.

“We have a very simple and clear objective for Tall Trees Lodge – to ensure our guests are happy. To achieve this, we have plans to implement many new and exciting ideas to reposition Tall Trees Lodge with a new identity and new vision.”

Paul McGerty, from Liverpool-based accountants Mitchell Charlesworth, was appointed by the couple to structure their new company, Happy Guests, advise on tax issues and act on the acquisition.

He said: “They have now put together exciting plans for their new business, and I’m sure with their experience and vision they will continue to make a success of Tall Trees Lodge based on their aims of offering outstanding value for money.”