TWO new guidebooks have just been launched by the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Tourism Association.

A new eating out guide now lists more than 60 popular places to eat and drink around Monmouth, the Wye Valley, the Forest of Dean and South Herefordshire. It is not just a 'must have' for visitors to the area it is also essential reading for local people, says the association.

The second guide advertises more than 90 local attractions and activities "so that no one ever needs to ask again 'what can we do today?' because it's all there in the guide".

Everything from cinemas to heritage sites and gardens, to expeditions and canoeing and bush craft is listed. The pocket sized guide also showcases 36 speciality shops offering everything from the quirky and the unusual to the distinctive and practical.

Both guides come with a handy centrefold map as well as money-off vouchers both for eating out and for attractions. They also list important local services such as taxis.

Association members for the first time are also getting their own 'blue' guide to those essential local services they need to keep their businesses operating to the highest standards. Plumbers, gardeners, IT specialists and laundries are but a few of the local trades people listed and some such as Handyman House are offering asociation members special discount.

Ros Robertson, co-chair of the association, said: "We have come a long way in the last few years and, in spite of the recession, we have nearly doubled our membership. Many members are already telling us about a real bounce back in visitors this year.

"I believe in part they are achieving this because of our association's success in promoting local tourism both through excellent publications like these and of course our website: http://www.wyedeantourism.co.uk.&quot">www.wyedeantourism.co.uk."

Copies of the new guides are available free from tourism information centres in Monmouthshire and South Herefordshire, Abbey Mill, Tintern Old Station, Puzzlewood, Taurus Crafts, Forest Bikes and the Dean Heritage Centre. You'll also find them at the Butterfly Zoo at Symonds Yat West and the Three Shires Garden Centre in Newent.