Tourism and Heritage Minister, John Penrose, has praised the owners of the new Ludlow Touring park for their £3 million investment.

Mr Penrose made a flying visit to Shropshire on Thursday 12th April, with local MP Philip Dunne, to the luxury touring caravan and motorhome park, where he unveiled a plaque. A lunchtime reception was arranged to give invited guests a sneak preview of the new park which officially opens on 9 May. This is perfectly timed for visitors wishing to enjoy the delights of Ludlow Spring Festival on 12 and 13 May.

The 135-pitch park has been developed to five star standards by Shrewsbury-based Morris Leisure on a 20-acre site alongside the River Teme and with good road links to the A49 near Richards Castle. The park also has a Jubilee Wood, which has been planted in recognition of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

"I am really delighted to see large scale investment going into a very important part of the tourism industry in this beautiful area of the country," said Mr Penrose. "It is a wonderful destination for caravanners to come to and it looks like a very professional park, which I am sure is going to be full."

Mr Dunne said: "Tourism is essential for the economy of South Shropshire in general and Ludlow in particular and this new touring park will be a tremendous boost to the area's facilities. I look forward to welcoming holidaymakers from next month."

Morris Leisure's managing director, Edward Goddard, said: "We believe the park is going to enhance the local tourism offer and generate around £2 million a year for Ludlow and surrounding area, which has got to be good news for the local economy in these challenging times."

Morris Leisure also owns four other high quality caravan parks in Shropshire and Snowdonia - Stanmore Hall Touring Park, Bridgnorth, Oxon Hall Touring and Holiday Home Park, Shrewsbury, Bow House Country Park, Bishops Castle, and Riverside Touring Park, Betws-y-Coed.

To view Ludlow Touring Park's listing in Campsite Finder, click here.