Area is one of the best for budget travellers

A Shropshire tourist hotspot has been rated as one of the best places to visit for a budget bank holiday trip, according to a consumer watchdog magazine.

Which? has included Ironbridge and this year's celebration of its 300th anniversary as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution as one of 15 things to do or places to go to when people are watching the pennies.

A picture of the famed Iron Bridge also takes pride of place in the feature in the magazine's May edition, which will go to more than 506,000 Which? members across the world.

The magazine, which has been going for 50 years, is respected for its independent analysis of products and services.

It lists the area as number three in its Getting Out section under the title A Celebration of Imagination and says as well as taking part in the anniversary activities "it costs nothing to stroll along the gorge-backed high street".

Adrian Cousins, who runs home accessory store Homeward Bound and is a member of the Gorge Business Builders committee, said the coverage would be a massive boost for the area.

"Which? is one of the most trusted brands in the UK and I am sure this will increase the footfall of visitors," he said.

"It's also the kind of article that sticks around and could bring visitors for years to come.

"About four years ago there was a piece about Ironbridge on the front page of the Japanese version of the Financial Times and that resulted in an amazing amount of business.

"The gorge is now better set up to receive visitors so it's great news."

Councillor Keith Osmund-Smith, chairman of the Gorge Parish Council, said: "I am delighted Ironbridge has got such good press in a magazine that has global coverage.

"It sounds as if they have recognised that as well as the museums we have, there is so much natural beauty in the area that is absolutely free. This can only benefit businesses and the local community."

By Jo Cunningham