Staff at Coleford’s Tourist Information Centre were excited to show off the shop’s “bright” new colour scheme and photography displays after reopening to the public this week.

The centre on Lords Hill was closed for six weeks at the start of the year for a complete shop refurb, including a new interior paint job, informative displays from local photographers and new gifts and souvenirs made by local craftspeople.

Staff say the photography displays, which have been supplied by local attractions as well as 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 Coleford area.

Centre co-ordinator 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 by the centre to provide photographs of key local landmarks and attractions for display, extending to Symonds Yat and the Sculpture trail but focusing on Coleford 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 month’s Battle of Coleford reenactment and celebration of the Mushet family.

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