JURYS Doyle Hotel Group has appointed Martha O'Grady, pictured, as deputy general manager of Jurys Inn Southampton, putting a home-grown Irish team at the helm of its first hotel on the south coast.

Martha, who originates from County Waterford in Ireland, joins general manager PJ Kenny in heading the team that will open the £19m, 270-bedroom hotel on May 12.

The hotel, which will employ just under 100 people, is part of the landmark development at Charlotte Place, currently under construction by McAleer & Rushe.

Martha, 26, said: "It's great to be a part of a young, vibrant management team and to be working on the launch of the first Jurys Inn in the south."