Christmas arrives at the county’s Tourist Information Centres

With everyone's thoughts turning to Christmas, Herefordshire's Tourist Information Centres (TICs) - which look after the county's visitors and residents - are bursting at the seams with local crafts, produce, gift items and information.

Leominster's TIC in Corn Square has a wealth of soft toys, eco friendly jute bags and calendars including those with beautiful local scenes and the TICs in Ledbury and Ross-on-Wye are showcasing local crafts, artists and hampers as well as some great souvenirs.

Hereford's TIC in King Street has an exciting range of local Christmas cards, tree decorations, gifts and hampers with jewellery by Amanda Gray and Joanna Spencer-Patel while Queenswood Country Park Visitor Centre has a Christmas grotto full of interesting gifts, books and a great selection of stocking fillers as well as a children's lucky dip.

Visitors to Bromyard's TIC can pick up a Herefordshire calendar and tea towel to send to friends and relatives abroad - and anyone stuck for that special present could think about theatre tokens - available at selected TICs.

Anyone planning to take their children to one of the local Santa Specials taking place should pop in and ask the staff - they have information on a host of events taking place in the county over Christmas and the New Year.

And for those planning a more healthy Christmas, the centres hold a range of books listing the wide range of long distance and circular walks criss-crossing the county - ideal to help walk off those extra pounds which go on during the festive period.

It's surprising what you can get at your local Tourist Information Centre!

For further information please contact Ross-on-Wye Tourist Information Centre on 01989 562768 or e-mail the centre on tic-ross@herefordshire.gov.uk