A VISITOR centre which helps people get the most from an idyllic Cotswolds village is celebrating its 10th birthday.

The Visitor Information Centre (VIC), operated by Bourton Vic Ltd, had a party to celebrate the milestone which drew in faces past and present who have helped make the centre a success.

Those who operate the centre – drawn from private enterprise and local volunteers - held a soiree on Monday, June 6 to celebrate their hard work and commitment, and to thank their supporters.

Around 30 past and present volunteers and staff enjoyed Pimms and canapes courtesy of Chester House Hotel, followed by a fish and chip supper courtesy of the Windrush Garden Café.

Following funding negotiations with Cotswold District Council, the Bourton Vic Ltd company was established ten years ago to take over the existing visitor information service in the village.

Since then, the centre has employed three members of staff to maintain a professional operation, and they have been assisted by a ‘small army’ of volunteers.

Working together they have received praise from many quarters for the service they provide.

Bourton VIC featured as a case study in the VisitEngland Strategic Framework for tourism to illustrate how private enterprise can collaborate successfully with a local authority.

Norman Jones of Bourton VIC Ltd said: “We have reached an important milestone, and we thought it appropriate to thank our Manager, Jackie Faulkner, staff, Wendy Ratcliffe and Jackie Alderton and everyone else who has been part of our great success story over the last decade.

"We provide a service for many locals as well as visitors and are always keen to help our traders and accommodation providers prosper.

"Recently, for instance, we were thanked for the role we played in assisting the negotiations which resulted in Cotswold District Council stepping in to retain the coach park in Station Road.

"All told, our footfall is nearly 80,000 people per year, and the customers are very appreciative that we remain open seven days a week throughout the summer and also six days during the winter.”

The main source of funding is the district council which used to pay £80,000 to maintain a VIC in Bourton but they now only have to pay an annual grant of £24,000, saving taxpayers money.

In turn, they also raise about £30,000 in revenue each year and also receive financial support from the parish council.