HEREFORDSHIRE is ready to welcome you for a fun-filled Easter, writes CATHERINE SHOVLIN.

Whether you are a resident or a visitor, the county has plenty in store to make this weekend an enjoyable break. The only uncertainty will be the weather!

With what have been described as stunning attractions for people of different ages and interests, the message being plugged is 'open for business'.

Foot and mouth may be continuing to take its toll on Herefordshire, but the tourism industry is remaining upbeat. A strong incentive for visitors is market towns, black-and-white villages and venues set against a backdrop of some of Britain's most beautiful countryside.

Herefordshire Council said a host of stunning gardens and nurseries, cider makers and vineyards, heritage centres and art and craft galleries provide plenty of variety. And for the more active, it recommends taking in the area by bike - avoiding foot and mouth restricted areas.

Marketing activities to include national advertising, direct mail campaigns and special promotions are being considered to boost prospects for local tourism during the summer months.

The council's tourism unit in cultural services is monitoring the crisis daily with private sector partners to ensure that everything possible is being done locally, nationally and regionally to reduce the economic impact of the disease.

"It is essential to continue to promote the county," said tourism marketing officer, Kate Tudge.

Long-term, ways to restore confidence in the agricultural and tourism industries after the crisis will be discussed at the Herefordshire Spring Tourism Fair. The annual event, which takes place on April 26 at the Chase Hotel in Ross-on-Wye, will play a key part in the county's future.

And across the border, Powys is promoting itself for Easter.

Like Herefordshire, it is ready to welcome visitors with a range of activities amidst what Powys County Council has described as some of the country's most awesome and lovely scenery with friendly communities.

"It's difficult to predict how long this crisis will continue but we are already working in partnership with the Wales Tourist Board to ensure that their communication and marketing campaign will help to put Powys back on the map," said the council's head of tourism and economic development, Gareth Thomas.

He added: "Powys is definitely not closed. Many attractions are still open. If people take the necessary precautions and adhere to the foot and mouth signs then it is still a great place for people to visit this Easter."