Schools are breaking up, the sun has made an appearance and Chester is full of tourists.

Reporter JO HENWOOD talks to Jill Higson about what Chester Visitor Information Centre has to offer this summer.

VISITORS to any major city will head straight to the visitor information centre to see what is on offer.

Chester’s is in the Town Hall Square, just opposite the historic cathedral, and staff there are ready to help tourists and residents alike.

Manager Jill Higson says: “We provide a wide range of services to make sure that everyone can get the most out of their time in Chester.

“We advise tourists on what there is to see and do in Chester and its surrounding areas and we work hard to provide our local residents with travel information, family days out, excursions and tickets for local productions.”

Services include: daily walking tours by qualified guides; city sightseeing bus and boat tickets; Chester Heritage Tour tickets; Jones Holiday day trips; National Express coach tickets; Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre tickets; Moonlight Flicks tickets; discounted Chester Zoo tickets and theatre bookings including Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Rhyl Pavilion and Venue Cymru.

Jill added: “Our friendly staff members are always on hand to help out with any queries you may have, or travel advice you may need.

“As we are agents for the National Express, we are able to let you know available times and prices for any journey you may be thinking of going on.

“Supporting our local businesses is very important to us, so if you are a business owner in Cheshire then please do not hesitate to contact us and we can discuss ways in which we can help you with promotions.”

The centre also stocks city souvenirs from Chester memorabilia to British trinkets and locally produced preserves.

Jill added: “From bespoke jewellery to quality confectionery, our local products are always a best seller here at the VIC, and we are keen to link up with local businesses.”

The staff at the visitor centre are always looking to support and enhance people's interest in the city and its work.

Jill said: “We work closely with local education services so that we can provide students with work experience placements and possible voluntary opportunities.”

So if you are stuck for something to do in Chester this summer, Town Hall Square seems a good place to start.

For more information contact 0845 647 7868 or visit www.visitchester.com.