Popular sightseeing bus tour returns to Ashby de la Zouch and the surrounding district of North West Leicester for its fifth year

 Run every Saturday from 19 July to 30 August 2008 

This summer, residents and visitors to Ashby de la Zouch and the surrounding district of North West Leicestershire will be able to explore the local area from a very unique perspective - an open- top sightseeing tour bus.

The Heart of the Forest Tour is an open top sightseeing tour bus that takes in the breathtaking views and intriguing surroundings of the district, and showcases the best attractions the area has to offer. The tour provides a unique, relaxing and entertaining way to explore an area that includes part of Britain's superb forest in the making, The National Forest.       

Complete with insightful on-board commentary, Key attractions on the tour include the award-winning Conkers, dedicated to the natural world, Sence Valley Forest Park - a serene 150-acre lake and woodland beauty spot, Moira Furnace - an early 19th century iron-making furnace which now offers cycle hire for those wanting to explore the beautiful lanes and cycle ways, Donington-le-Heath Manor house - a 13th century home once owned by gunpowder plotter, Everard Digby, and the brand new National Forest Youth Hostel. Passengers can stay on board for a full tour, hop off at any of these attractions or enjoy a leisurely stroll in the growing National Forest, and hop back on a later bus.      

In partnership with North West Leicestershire District Council, Leicester Shire Promotions, Gold Events Management and Roberts Coaches, the Heart of the Forest Tour 2008 is sponsored by Conkers, Leicestershire County Council Road Safety, The National Forest, The National Forest Youth Hostel, Donington-le-Heath Manor House, Moira Furnace and Snibston Discovery Park.   

Martin Peters, Chief Executive of Leicester Shire Promotions said: "The Heart of the Forest Tour is now in its fifth year. We want this year's tours to go with a bang and hope that more people than ever will take this opportunity to enjoy the truly unique views of this remarkable area." 

Councillor Trevor Pendleton, Portfolio Holder for Community at North West Leicestershire District Council, said: "I am delighted that we have been able to work with Leicester Shire Promotions to offer residents and visitors to North West Leicestershire the opportunity to take a closer look at what the district has to offer.

"Once again people will have the opportunity to enjoy the use of the bus for the whole day and can choose to stop off at some of our best known landmarks including the fascinating Donington-le-Heath Manor House and the beautiful Sence Valley Forest Park."

For summer 2008, the Discover Leicester Tour will also return for the final time. This will showcase the superb attractions of Leicester city centre, including the exciting £3 billion regeneration projects, and will operate from 12 July to 27 September - in time for the launch of the new £350 million Highcross Leicester shopping centre.     

Information on the new routes, timings and tickets prices will be announced shortly and will be posted on the official online visitor guide to Leicester and Leicestershire at http://www.destination-centre.net/CMSParser/www.goleicestershire.com. Holders of Leicester and Leicestershire concessionary bus passes will again be able to travel free on the both services. The service will also include a direct journey from and to Leicester each Saturday.     

Information can also be obtained by calling the Tourist Information Line on 0844 888 5181 or by visiting the Leicester Tourist information  Centre in Town Hall Square or the Ashby Tourist Information Centre on North Street. Tickets will be available online from the eShop facility at http://www.destination-centre.net/CMSParser/www.goleicestershire.com, from the Leicester or Ashby TICs, or on-board the buses themselves after the tours begin. The open top buses are available for private hire by calling 01530 817 444.

About Leicester Shire Promotions:

Leicester Shire Promotions is a private, not-for-profit company formed in July 2003 as a partnership between Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council and the Leicester Shire Economic Partnership. The company is the Destination Management Organisation (DMO) responsible for promoting Leicester and Leicestershire to visitors and investors, based on a coordinated place marketing strategy that focuses on destination leadership and coordination, attracting investors and visitors, services for investors and visitors, and services for the tourism industry. For more information, please visit http://www.goleicestershire.com/

For further media information, please contact:

Nimisha Mehta

Leicester Shire Promotions

(0116) 225 4063

nimisha.mehta@l-p-l.com