One in four don't know where Shropshire is

Just over a quarter – 27 per cent – of people quizzed around the country in a tourism survey were unable to pinpoint Shropshire on a map.

Around one in four Britons does not know where Shropshire is on a map, new research has revealed.

Just over a quarter – 27 per cent – of people quizzed around the country in a tourism survey were unable to pinpoint Shropshire on a map.

• See also: Leader - Being a best kept secret is not great

And the same number were also in the dark about the whereabouts of Ironbridge, despite it being a world heritage site.

And 11 per cent of the people interviewed thought Shropshire was in the East Midlands or Wales.

But Shropshire tourism bosses said they remained positive about the survey's results, which showed 73 per cent could locate the county in the West Midlands.

Simon McCloy, chief executive of Shropshire Tourism, said: "The people who were surveyed were not the target market. We normally aim for a more mature visitor market, so the fact that around 70 per cent know where we are is a good thing.

"We have asked that question in surveys over the last 15 years and the result has been largely positive. If I was a geography teacher I would be concerned, but I am not concerned for Shropshire."

The online survey was carried out by leisure and tourism company Arkenford Leisure on behalf of the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership and Shropshire, Herefordshire and Telford and Wrekin Councils.

People were asked for their spontaneous thoughts about Herefordshire, Shropshire and Ironbridge. Most associated Shropshire with countryside, picture postcard views and the town of Shrewsbury. They associated Ironbridge with its world-famous bridge, its museum and its history.

Around 70 per cent of the 1,500 people surveyed said they would consider Shropshire as a place to visit.

But they described Shropshire as an adult destination, and only 16 per cent of people said they saw the county as a good place for family trips. Ironbridge fared better, with 34 per cent of people viewing it as a family destination.

By Catherine Ferris