JANE Lewis is a woman with a mission - her aim is to make Herefordshire one of the top 10 places to visit in the UK.

The newly appointed principal tourism officer also hopes to increase visitor numbers and finances in the region in an attempt to ensure Herefordshire is 'open for business' all year round.

Ms Lewis said: "I aim to develop the tourism product in the county and to generate a greater awareness of the beauty of the county and the many fabulous visitor attractions and accommodation that the tourists can enjoy in the area.

"The Tourism Enterprise Programme will be one way of achieving this."

Taking over the Flavours of Herefordshire scheme will develop a more integrated link between the producers and the restaurant owners, explained Ms Lewis.

Working in public relations and as marketing manager at the Beacons Trust in Brecon - an area that suffered greatly from the foot and mouth epidemic - will prove to be the ideal grounding for encouraging economic growth in the county.

She began her career in local government as Tourism Officer with Carmarthenshire District Council and received a special award from the Wales Tourist Board for 'her outstanding contribution to tourism'.