Tom takes on tourism role in Ribble Valley

A NEW tourism and events officer has been appointed at Ribble Valley Borough Council, which has also just published its popular annual tourist guide.

Tom Pridmore joins the council with more than 20 years’ experience in the tourism sector and is a former director of leisure and tourism at Wyre Borough Council.

He has worked with Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board and the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on tourism initiatives, and as a consultant supporting small tourism enterprises.

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An active member of the Tourism Management Institute, Tom is also regional assessor of the David Bellamy Conservation Awards that recognise environmental excellence in caravan and holiday home parks.

Tom said: “I am delighted to be appointed tourism officer in Ribble Valley and have been particularly impressed with the way the council recognises the value of tourism to the economy. I feel privileged to be working in such a beautiful environment and with such an excellent range of tourism enterprises.”

Chris Hughes, Ribble Valley Borough Council’s head of cultural and leisure services, added: “The coming year looks set to be an exciting time for tourism in Ribble Valley, with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the Olympics and the 400th anniversary of the Pendle Witches just some of the high-profile events taking place.

“Added to that, the council’s Visitor Information Centre is moving to new and improved premises at the Platform Gallery. We are therefore delighted to be welcoming a new tourism and events officer with Tom’s skill and experience at such an exciting time.”

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Tom’s arrival coincides with the publication of the 2012 Ribble Valley Visitor Guide, which will be distributed to tourist information centres across the UK, as well as through prestigious tourism exhibitions.

The guide, with the strapline “Ribble Valley: Once Visited, Never Forgotten,” features sections on food, shopping, heritage, outdoor activities, the arts, events, places to stay and eat, a What’s On, including details of events marking the 400th anniversary of the Pendle Witches, plus a comprehensive accommodation listing.

It is available from the Visitor Information Centre at the the council offices in Church Walk, Clitheroe, open Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Copies are also available by phoning the centre on 01200 425566.

The Visitor Information Centre is set to move to its new home at the Platform Gallery, in Station Road, in early May following refurbishment works which will start at the end of March.