13 September 2007: Home from home

A British couple have been living in a budget roadside hotel for more than 20 years because they love never having to do the laundry or cooking.

Although David Davidson and his wife Jean now live in the Travelodge Motel, which is just off the A1 trunk road in Grantham, they have kept their old flat in Sheffield and return every fortnight to collect the post.

They are not bothered by having the smallish room, or by the passing traffic which rumbles along throughout the night. They pay about 15 pounds per night for the room which, as a UK newspaper points out, is less than some people pay for their mortgage. For that they get all their cooking, cleaning, laundry and maintenance done and they don't get large heating bills in the winter.

The hotel is now renaming their room The Davidsons' Suite, and plans to mount a plaque in the reception to mark the anniversary of their arrival.

They do sometimes go on holiday - and always stay in a Travelodge hotel.