IF you venture into the Tourist Information Centre in the Shire Hall, Monmouth, you will be given the warmest of welcomes and receive first class service.

The results of the annual Wales Tourist Board Mystery Visitor Inspection have just been released and Monmouth TIC scored 98%. Out of 85 centres that were inspected, Monmouth has come joint second.

As part of the rigorous inspection the TIC had to respond to letters asking for information on gardens to visit in the area and lunch stops, as well as help in researching a family tree. Their mystery telephone and personal enquirer asked them for opening times and directions to a local attraction and a message left on their answer phone asked for general information on the area. In both the telephone and personal sections the staff at Monmouth scored an unbeatable 100%.

Eileen Probert said that she and her colleagues, Susan Beavan and Marilyn Wright, were delighted to have done so well.

"We're under tremendous pressure during the summer months, with visitors coming into the Centre and several telephones ringing at the same time!"

"Sue and I have been here for about four years, with Marilyn providing summer cover."

Earlier this year Mrs Probert was presented with her Golden I badge at Powis Castle after gaining a distinction in the Wales Tourist Board's' Advanced Diploma. She has also passed a GCSE in German.

"We're always ready to accept a challenge to further our education," she said.

The Centre, which opened in its present venue in 1990, is managed by Tourism South and West Wales (TSWW) and funded by Monmouthshire County Council and Monmouth Town Council.

Caroline Wassell, Communications Manager at TSWW, said: "I am delighted with the score that Monmouth achieved. It is a reflection of the standard of service given, both in attitude and knowledge, which should help to convince our visitors to choose Monmouthshire as a tourist destination."

As well as providing a mine of information on places to visit and events taking place, the TIC has an excellent range of quality Welsh products for sale.