Couple's home-sweet-home in hotel
A couple have stayed at a budget hotel for more than 20 years - because it is cheaper and safer than living in their home.
David Davidson, 79, and his wife, Jean, 70, have spent around £100,000 on their room with a view of a car park since they moved there in 1985.
The pensioners, who own a flat in Sheffield, loved the ease of staying at a Travelodge when they first tried one in Barton-under-Needwood, Staffordshire. They sampled another on the A1 at Newark, Nottinghamshire, and gradually found themselves moving in.
In July 1997, the pair moved permanently into Room 1 of the new Travelodge at the Gonerby Moor service area on the A1. For an average £90 a week, they get their laundry done, their bed made and never have to pay household bills. The couple, who have been married for 54 years, book 12 months ahead to get cut-price rates.
Now their room is going to be renamed The Davidsons' Suite in their honour.
Former Second World War Royal Navy sailor Mr Davidson said: "We get great rates because we book well in advance and we even have our own personal housekeeper. It doesn't get much better than that, does it?
"There's a Little Chef here so we only have to walk across the car park for meals, or we'll go to one of the other local eateries nearby."
He added: "The Travelodge room suits us so much better than our first-floor flat in Sheffield, which has no disabled access for Jean. It's important as she now suffers from a bone disease and is wheelchair-bound."
Paul Anstey, Travelodge director of operations for the North, said: "We know Travelodge has really loyal customers throughout the UK but the Davidsons are unique - they've literally made a Travelodge into their home.
"To recognise their remarkable loyalty, we are going to rename their room from number one to The Davidsons' Suite and mount a plaque in reception celebrating their 10-year anniversary at the hotel."
