A TEMPLATE used by other towns to attract visitors is being used to help realise Alton's tourism potential.

The initiative is being spearheaded by a newly formed Alton Visitors Group with support from Hidden Britain – a project of the South East Rural Community Council, a charity to "uncover the fascinating wealth of landscapes, history and culture within Britain's countryside for everyone to enjoy".

This has been achieved to date by bringing together businesses, residents, community groups and local authorities who want to establish themselves as great visitor destinations and enjoy the social and economic rewards that rural tourism can create.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.