ACCOMODATION providers, eating places and events in Shipston and the North Cotswolds have a chance to promote themselves with the launch of a new group.

Over the past few months, Shipston Tourism Group has been building up a searchable electronic databases that will show visitors where to stay, where to eat and what is going within a five-mile radius of Shipston.

The group was awarded £4,000 from Warwickshire County Council's Operation Footfall last year but now needs providers to send in details of what they offer for a free listing.

Chairman Trev Trevethick said: "Currently there is no way a potential visitor can easily find, say, bed and breakfast accommodation within five miles of Shipston that permits dogs.

"Our databases are unique in this area as they collect all relevant information and allow people to search for exactly what they want.

"Shipston is exceptionally well placed, being sandwiched between the beauty of the North Cotswolds and the history of Shakespeare’s England, at Stratford.

"Increasingly, we are being seen as a conveniently situated, must-visit independent market town, and we need to capitalise on that."

Questionnaires have already been sent out to accommodation providers and will shortly go to eating places in South Warwickshire and the North Cotswolds.

They can be returned to Tourism Group, New Clark House, West Street, Shipston, CV36 4HD.