Two Shropshire towns are in line for a cash windfall of up to £25,000 each after being selected for a project to boost tourism. Bridgnorth and Much Wenlock have been chosen to get the cash.

The awards are part of the Better Welcome for Market Towns Programme, funded by Advantage West Midlands.

The idea is to come up with action plans to decide the best way of attracting more tourists to the towns, with the help of experts.

Heart of England Tourism will also carry out a survey of visitors to both towns during the summer to help residents and businesses decide how to spend the money.

Bob Braddock, economic development manager at Bridgnorth District Council, said: “This is great news for the district. This initiative will inform the development of the tourism on offer in these important visitor destinations now and for the future.”

Workshops, seminars and mentoring clinics will be available for businesses such as shops, pubs, restaurants and hotels.

The events will cover topics including competing with other outlets, attracting new customers and modernising practices to boost efficiency, as well as helping businesses become more aware of the needs of visitors.

Organisers hope the project will result in greater numbers of visitors to Bridgnorth and Much Wenlock.