PERSHORE has taken a step towards becoming a fully-fledged tourist destination with the opening of its first dedicated visitor information centre in the new Town Hall.

Linda Ellis and Glenda Ellis, who are not related, took up their new roles as tourism officers this week. The office will be open every weekday afternoon, all day on Saturdays and on bank holidays.

Wychavon's Pershore market town manager Hilary Philpott said: "Thousands of people visit Wychavon each year and we want to make sure that when they stop off in Pershore we can help them make the most of their visit.

"Pershore has a lot to offer and our new officers will help point people in the right direction."

Pershore Mayoress Val Wood said: "This is the first time that Pershore has had its own Tourist Information Centre on its own premises.

"It will help traders in the town as well as visitors - the office will give out information on accommodation and attractions, as well as running the website.

"The girls will also help with any information that can be given on the workings of the town hall and will have information about bus and train times. It is a new job and it is going to be a growing job."

The new posts coincide with the opening of the new Town Hall, which has recently moved from Belle House to the Old Post Office building.

The official opening of the facilities will take place next Tuesday when councillors will be on hand to show Pershore people around the building.

At 10.30am on the same day there will be the opening of the Elizabeth Turier Suite, which commemorates the past Mayor of Pershore, who died during her term of office last year.

Val Wood said: "This will be a really special day, one which Elizabeth would have been proud and it is wonderful we are able to mark her memory in such a magnificent way."