CARNIVAL day sums up all that is best about Bridgwater and so what better day to launch the latest Bridgwater Tourism Guide.

The launch event for the brochure, put together by Bridgwater Town Council, was held at The Blake Museum.

The new brochure was unveiled by the mayor of Bridgwater Cllr Tony Heywood, with leader of the town council Cllr Brian Smedley saying a few words about how the brochure will help boost Bridgwater tourism.

Special guest Alex Dunn gave a talk about Bridgwater's history.

Alex is the treasurer of Bridgwater & Albion Rugby Club, and a key member of the Bristol Civic Society, while his father Angus was the curator of the museum, the town librarian and chairman of the Bridgwater Arts Centre in the 1960s.

Mr Dunn divided his look at Bridgwater into three parts - the past, the present and the future.

He talked first of the town's history and culture from the Battle of Sedgemoor to the town being one of the first to revolt against the slave trade.

The present focused on the opportunities presented by Hinkley C, with an increase in population, a wave of new hotels and industry.

Mr Dunn said: "The future will be the legacy of this.

"If the town grasps this opportunity to market itself as a holiday destination with a great cultural offer and also the jumping off point to explore the delights of Somerset from Exmoor to the Mendips, and from the coast to the levels, then the economy could only benefit."

Cllr Smedley asked for people to take brochures and help spread the message, and said that several thousand have already been dispatched to tourist information offices the width and breadth of the country.

Bridgwater Town Council also invited four ladies from Exeter Civic Society, including Nerina Frampton.

Ms Frampton and a friend visited Bridgwater after reading the original brochure and had been so disappointed she wrote a critical letter to the Bridgwater Mercury.

READ MORE: Letter - 'A disappointing day on our visit to Bridgwater'

Cllr Smedley said: "We took the bull by the horns and invited Ms Frampton to come to the launch and give her thoughts on the new brochure.

"She was pleased. 'Much better - 10 out of 10!', she said.

"And so everyone went home happy.

"Drop in to the Museum or the Town Hall and see for yourself .

"And help us get out the message. Talk up our town!"