A BID has been launched for a £3 million expansion programme to leisure and business facilities at a North Warwickshire conference centre.

Stephen Hammon, who has run the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre in Fillongley for 10 years, is now seeking planning permission for the new development which he says will create a further 30 jobs.

The plans include additional conference space, a 30-bedroom hotel and a bespoke 4x4 driving course to meet demand from conference delegates.

Stephen said: "I have some great ideas to take the venue forward. If plans are approved, I will be investing £3million over the next two years and it will not only create jobs at the Heart of England and in the construction of the facilities but will also lead to more work for our suppliers.

"We already have a successful conference suite which attracts blue-chip companies but there is an opportunity to develop that side of the business even further.

"The conference centre has seen an increase in business over the last year with many blue-chip organisations making use of our central position in the Midlands to draw together workers based around the country.

"The extra hotel bedrooms will help to widen our client appeal as many companies want to run three or four day events and for their staff to be able to stay on site."

The proposals also include the addition of a visitor centre to cater for increasing numbers of school trips to the site.

This summer, for example, more than 600 pupils a week visited the Heart of England to take part in various courses and events.

There are also plans to extend the existing woodland, with the Forestry Commission recently approving a grant for the planting of 18,000 additional trees on 12 hectares of land.

Stephen now hopes to win support for his plans from North Warwickshire Borough Council.