A NEW visitor guide has been launched in a rural town to invite tourists to learn about the area.

The attractive A3 pamphlet takes visitors on a walking tour of Coggeshall, with detailed historical notes at thirty-six locations.

The town has a wealth of listed buildings, with the best included in the route.

For the benefit of visitors with a little more time, the pamphlet also provides three short walking routes on the outskirts of the town.

They take visitors to a number of highlights such as the Abbey, Grange Barn and Nunn's Bridge.

Coggeshall parish councillor June Alston welcomed the launch of the pamphlet.

She said: “We have so many old buildings, so there was always a little leaflet to go round the town with, and the old one was getting dated.

“Some people from the museum came to me last autumn on the council and asked if it were possible to create a new info leaflet for the town, and I jumped on it being an ex-geography teacher.

“Visitors to the town will benefit immensely from the new guide. The combination of detailed maps with accompanying notes provides a wonderful insight into Coggeshall’s rich heritage.”

The content of the pamphlet has been developed by Councillor Alston in collaboration with Dudley Maughan and Trevor Disley from Coggeshall Museum, whilst local company Chilligraphics has been responsible for the design and printing.

Funding has come from a community grant which was secured by district councillor Paul Thorogood and Coggeshall Parish Council.

Councillor Alston added: “People love them. They say they are so helpful. The pamphlets are free but they want to buy them.

“We have just asked for any donations to be made to be put in the boxes and they can go to the national trust to benefit a charity.”

Next up the council hope to create more information boards around the town, giving more visitors information on the rich history of Coggeshall.

Visitors will be able to pick up a copy of the guide at several locations around the town including the Village Hall, the Linrary, Paycocke’s House, the White Hart and Bakealicious tea room.