A NEW tourist information service is coming to a market town which is referred to as the birthplace of the British tourist industry.

The county-run Tourist Information Centre in the Market House in Ross-on-Wye was shut down a couple of years ago.

And now a group has been set up to bring a co-ordinated tourist information service to the town by having five bases, which are yet to be announced, from March 1.

The service, which will include an events round-up, a town map, and information about the area, will be based in shops and pubs.

The idea comes from the newly-formed Ross Tourism Association.

Yolande Watson, from the group, said: "It is really exciting because a) Ross does need a tourist information service. We found out during a meeting with Visit Herefordshire that Ross-on-Wye is searched for more than Hereford on their website.

"Ross-on-Wye is the birthplace of tourism- it has a long history. We are really looking to sell our assets."

She said a lot of tourists ask traders questions about the area, and by providing this service they will be offering consistency and cooperation.

Mrs Watson added: "The Ross Tourism Association- we are all volunteers and we are all so passionate about making Ross a vibrant town. I am really excited about 2016- I think it is really coming together."

The Hereford Tourist Information Centre in King Street closed in December 2010. The space was then occupied by the Visit Herefordshire group, which then moved to Hereford Town Hall, when Herefordshire Council said there would no further funding for the organisation from this April.

The county council no longer funds any tourist information services in the county.

The service in Leominster, Ledbury, Kington and Bromyard is run by volunteers.

The Ross group is going to ask for donations from people who have an interest in tourism.

They want to hear from anyone who would like to help them promote tourism in Ross. Vic Lockley is also looking for more volunteers to be town guides.

If you think you can help call 01432 845883 or email rca@herefordtimes.com and the information will be passed on to the group.