SOME 200 tourism workers have become great ambassadors for Medway after completing a two-year training course. The Ambassadors' Scheme - launched in January last year - has been hailed a great success.

Participants, drawn from all aspects of tourism in Medway, took part in three phases of the scheme and are due to receive their Medway Ambassador status at a gala awards ceremony at the Corn Exchange, Rochester, on June 20.

Supported by European funding, matched by Medway Council, phase one of the scheme - the Spirit of Medway - focused on the impact of tourism on Medway's economy. Phase two looked at customer service issues and phase three covered marketing, IT, green tourism, food hygiene and the Disability Discrimination Act. The courses were delivered at Mid Kent College.

Simon Curtis, Medway Council's tourism and retail sector manager said: "We are committed to ensuring that the tourism product in Medway competes at the highest level, both in the UK and internationally. The Medway Ambassadors' Scheme has united both large and small tourism businesses and other associated enterprises in a common goal of improving skills and professionalism."

The tourism industry in Medway generates £100 million annually and supports 2,800 jobs.