VISITORS who took part in guided tours of Richmond have repaid the hospitality they were shown.

Donations made by those who took part in the walks have been presented to two of the town's main tourist attractions.

During 2003, the Richmond Volunteer Guides received almost £500 from visitors and the cash has been donated to the Richmondshire Museum and the Georgian Theatre Royal.

Councillor Michael Heseltine, district council chairman, who made the presentation, said: "The town is really in debt to our volunteer guides.

"They do a fantastic job by showing off Richmond's assets and their entertaining tours make all the difference to visitors' impressions of the town."

The scheduled guided walks of Richmond run from Easter to the end of September on Sundays, Wednesdays and Bank Holidays.

They start at the tourist information centre, take about an hour to complete and are conducted entirely by volunteers. New volunteers are always welcome.