More than 200 frontline staff from different local businesses in Southampton have undertaken a new training scheme to help improve the visitor experience in the city.

The 'Southampton Welcomes' training programme is designed to help participants improve their customer service skills, in order to help visitors make the most of their stay.

Sue Gill, Head of Tourism South East Training and Skills, commented: "We were delighted with the positive reception from local businesses to equipping staff with advanced customer service skills. It was based on highly practical, focused training designed to improve the service they deliver to local customers and visitors on a day-to-day basis.

"It was a highly innovative programme tailored specifically to Southampton and we hope it will enable businesses to provide an exceptional welcome and to better highlight what the city offers to all visitors."