LEOMINSTER Youth Hostel extended its hospitality to the public when it held an open day to show the town residents how the building was now being used.

The centre which was opened last year by the Bishop of Hereford has already received over 900 guests including Australians, New Zealanders, Americans, Canadians and Japanese.

The manager, Clive Allen believes the new visitors could be very good for the town: "We think it's a great boost for tourism. If you think of 900 visitors each spending £10 in the town it soon adds up."

Mr. Allen previously ran a youth hostel in Crowcombe, Somerset but is now enjoying the challenge of starting up a new establishment.

By all accounts it is going very well.