A TOURISM centre is marking two decades of helping visitors with a celebration for past and present volunteers.

Chipping Sodbury Tourist Information Centre first opened its doors at the Clock Tower in the High Street on August 26, 1995.

The centre, founded jointly by Sodbury Town Council, Yate Town Council and Dodington Parish Council, is manned entirely by volunteers and has helped put Chipping Sodbury, with its medieval High Street and predominantly independent shops, on the map as a shopping destination and visitor attraction.

The centre stocks leaflets and displays posters on events happening all over the region and sells tickets for local events including the Sodbury Festival and South Cotswolds Beer Festival.

It is currently home to the Sodbury sheep dog search, a free summer activity for children being run by the town’s chamber of commerce.

Tourist information centre secretary Naomi Gathercole said: “The centre has gone from strength to strength over the years and has become a valuable asset to the life of the town and surrounding areas.

“Manned entirely by volunteers and one part time co-ordinator, the centre is still helping both locals and visitors in ever increasing numbers.”

To celebrate the 20th anniversary, an afternoon tea is being held on Friday, September 11 (3-5pm) in the Charter Suite at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall. All volunteers past and present are invited to come along. Contact Julie Elliott on 01454 854754 for further information or to confirm attendance.