A HISTORIC market town that is popular with tourists could attract more coach visits after achieving coach-friendly status.

Ruthin has become Denbighshire's first coach-friendly town and joins a few select places in Wales such as Betws-y-Coed, Conwy and Cardiff which already have the status.

The town was awarded after Ruthin town councillors dedicated two years to achieving the criteria set by the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), recognised by the UK Government as a leading representative of the bus and coach industry with members ranging from large multi-national transport operators to small family businesses.

The CPT's coach-friendly requirements include clear signage for visiting coaches, facilities for tour groups and suitable parking provision.

Ruthin councillors also improved the town council’s website by adding additional information about attractions and trails that coach companies and tour organisers can visit.

Heather Williams, Ruthin town councillor and chairman of the working group, said: “A couple of years ago the Denbighshire County Council Tourism Marketing and Events team invited representatives of town and city councils to go on a learning journey to Betws-y-Coed. Whilst there, we had discussions with the destination manager of Conwy County Borough Council about how they had achieved coach friendly status for three towns.

“Following this visit, Ruthin Town Council set up a working group to assess how Ruthin could meet the criteria needed to meet coach-friendly status.

“We are now really pleased to be awarded this prestigious title. We hope that this new status will enable the town to attract more coach tours, and therefore more visitors, to this historic and attractive town.

“Ruthin has so much to offer, such as the internationally renowned Craft Centre, the fascinating Gaol and historic timber-framed Nantclwyd y Dre.“

Anne Roberts, Ruthin town councillor and member of the working group, said: "It is hoped that the award for Ruthin will encourage other places in Denbighshire to work on achieving coach-friendly status in order to encourage even more visitors to the county.”

Further information can be found on the Visit Ruthin website.