'SET your spirit free' is the theme of a new guide to the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean, to be unveiled this week.

The 2015 Visitor Guide celebrates the best of the area's essential elements from history and heritage to food and artisans, outdoors and adventure to TV and movie trails.

Designed to inspire visitors and help them plan their stay in the area, the free 52-page book is distributed locally and nationally to highlight things to do, places to stay, attractions to enjoy and places to eat, drink and be merry.

The guide is split into eight sections, each reinforcing why the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is a destination for all seasons, and how to make the most from a short or long stay, whatever the

weather.

Chapters entitled Food Heaven, 20 Things to Try, Literary Legends, Event Diary, and Artistic Haven sit alongside details of a new celebrity TV and movie trail set to launch later this year.

The guide is the first marketing initiative to be unveiled by the new-look destination management organisation, the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Tourism Association (WVFDTA).

Maureen McAllister, executive director for the WVFDTA, said: "The 2015 Visitor Guide showcases all that is great about the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley.  Without it many visitors would be lost and it gives tourism businesses a tool to shout about what they offer.

"It's amazing how much there is to see and do in this area and we could probably double the number of pages and the print run.  We want people to come here and 'set their spirit free' because Wye Dean is the ultimate destination to enjoy fresh air and freedom, explore, dine then relax on a holiday or short break."

Copies of the guide can be ordered and downloaded, from http://www.wyedeantourism.co.uk">www.wyedeantourism.co.uk