A NEW market town coordinator for Wallingford has been appointed to bring in more visitors to the town.

Tourism is worth an estimated £428m a year to South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse districts.

Kate Rayner, right, who was appointed to the role last month, will work with the town council and other civic leaders to prepare a new town business plan and support events which increase footfall and retail sales.

Ms Rayner, who had a similar role in Waterloo, London, said: “Just by walking around the town, you get a real sense of the pride that business owners and residents have in Wallingford, and the enthusiasm that exists towards maintaining a thriving town centre.”

Cabinet member for economic development Judith Nimmo-Smith said: “In Wallingford residents, business and the public sector all work together to boost the town’s economy.

“We know Kate will continue to build on this good work and encourage more investment and more people to come and visit.”