A TROUPE of top VIPs are set to come to the Ribble Valley after the borough council launched its latest tourism initiative.

A network of visitor information points, or VIPs, is currently being established across the area, with the majority due to open soon.

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The council and the Ribble Valley Tourism Association have been working together to establish the 20 VIPs at what are described as ‘key locations’ in the area.

The VIPs, which contain a raft of useful information, will be situated at busy public locations close to popular visitor routes, accessible and open as often as possible.

The first VIP has opened at St John’s Church, Hurst Green, where in addition to obtaining information visitors can use the new eco-loo and even make themselves a cuppa.

The eco-loo was opened earlier this year following a fundraising campaign by parishioners and was praised by the Archbishop of York John Sentamu on a visit earlier this month.

The council’s events and tourism officer, Tom Pridmore, said: “The idea behind VIPs is to give visitors to Ribble Valley a friendly and informative welcome, as well as boost footfall to facilities such as shops, pubs and churches.

“The feedback from St John’s Church has been excellent and we are keen to see a vibrant network of VIPs across the borough.”

VIP hosts receive a branded brochure rack for up to ten publications, display signs and maps, brochures, external signage and promotion on the Visit Ribble Valley website.

Borough councillor Ged Mirfin said: “This is one way to make sure that the council’s message gets out there in the area.

“But we should try to use things like social media more to make sure that we are communicating to younger people as well.

“A team is in the process of being set up to lead on this issue and to try and push for initiatives like this to be publicised on line as well as in the printed form.

For more information or if you would like to host a VIP, contact Tom Pridmore on 01200 414496.

Visitors to Hurst Green can find out historical facts such as the founding of Stonyhurst Hall, by Richard Shireburn in 1592, saw the development of the hamlet.