A GROUP of Japanese visitors were treated to a traditional Herefordshire farmhouse breakfast when they stayed in Pembridge at the end of last month.

The visitors were guests of Herefordshire and green tourism ambassador Juliet Williams at her Lowe Farm Bed and Breakfast.

The visit was one of many that marks a longstanding relationship between Mrs WilliaMrs and the far-Eastern country.

"I love all things Japanese," said Juliet Williams. "Ten years ago, through our green tourism ethos, I developed a connection with professor Shinje Aoki, who is professor of green tourism at the University of Toyo."

The professor was so impressed with how Mrs Williams followed the green and organic culture with her visitors that he invited her back to Japan to talk to the island nation’s tourism industry about how to implement green tourism successfully.

She now also has a ‘Japanese’ room in one of her beamed hallways, displaying mementoes from her trip.

"It was a very special time and a tremendous promotion for Herefordshire," she said.

"Ever since then we have been receiving between 15 to 20 Japanese visitors twice a year. They are enthralled by what we do in green tourism and the traditions of Herefordshire. They love the history of the buildings and like to explore the antiques and food markets, and they always take back lots of crafts, art and souvenirs."