Shropshire has been named by travel experts as one of 10 destinations to watch for holidaymakers this year - the only UK location to be featured.

The "rural gem" appears on travel trade organisation Abta's list alongside the Spanish region of Extremadura, Saxony in Germany; Vietnam and Zambia.

Abta said its list aimed to inspire travellers and the county has beautiful landscapes, towns and villages.

What can I say? When we have visitors to Shrewsbury, they do love the town. Many independent shops and restaurants, its just not a clone town. We've had our shop for 23 years in Shrewsbury town centre now. I remember customers who were not local, asking where is Shrewsbury?  When I explained, the response was often "oh that place we pass on the way to Wales". I did chuckle. 

Here is what Abta has to say: