THE borough's first ever Tourist Information Centre was officially opened last Friday.

Based at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, Cheshire Oaks, it has been developed by the Chamber of Commerce and a consortium of authorities and tourist attractions from across the county.

The centre will initially be a self-service facility providing a wealth of leaflets and booklets, and a touch-screen computer giving visitors details about places to stay, eat, and visit in the borough.

It will open seven days a week, Monday to Friday 10am-8pm, Saturday 9am-6pm and Sunday 11am-5pm.

By Christmas the centre will be staffed and advisors will be available to give people information and help throughout the busiest periods of the day.

It is hoped it will encourage the seven million shoppers that flock to Cheshire Oaks each year to extend their stay or visit again to explore the area's other attractions like Ellesmere Port Boat Museum, the Blue Planet Aquarium, the Coliseum Retail and Leisure Park and Ness Gardens.

Borough council tourism officer Jayne Hallett said: 'The Designer Outlet is a perfect location for a Tourist Information Centre, being one of the biggest tourist attractions in Britain.

'I am certain the centre will be a huge success, serving not only the millions of visitors the outlet attracts each year but also benefiting the community in raising awareness of the facilities and attractions that are available throughout the area.'

The centre was opened by the mayor, Councillor Moira Andrews, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.