Volunteers at the Tourist Information Centre in Coleford were “delighted” to reopen this week following a complete shop refurb, which has involved input from a range of local artists and craftspeople.

The centre, which is located on Lords Hill opposite the Forest Police Station, closed for six weeks at the start of the year for the town council-funded refurbishment.

The shop reopened on Monday (February 14) boasting a “bright” new colour scheme, informative displays from local photographers and a range of gifts and souvenirs made by local craftspeople.

Staff say the photography displays, which have been supplied by local attractions as well as members of the Forest of Dean Camera Club, showcase “the wide range of heritage, landscape and fun activities available for visitors to the Forest.”

The centre, which is funded by Coleford Town Council and is part of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Tourism (FDWVT) partnership, is staffed by a team of “knowledgable and helpful” volunteers who advise visitors and locals with information on the best walks, accommodation, attractions and places to visit in the local area.

Centre Coordinator Ella Beard said: “We are delighted to reopen with a bright new colour scheme, displays on walking and a super selection of gifts and souvenirs all made by local craftspeople.”

Forest of Dean Camera Club were approached to provide photographs of key local landmarks and attractions for display, extending to Symonds Yat and the Sculpture trail but focusing on town attractions such as the Mushet Furnace, Dark Hill Quarry, Clearwell Meend and the new deer sculpture.

The club is also set to provide a changing display of prints illustrating the wildlife of the Forest appropriate to the season, along with photos of current events in the town, including this weekend’s Battle of Coleford reenactment and next week’s celebration of the Mushet family.

The centre is currently open from Monday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm.