HARD times for the tourism industry were reflected on at the annual meeting of the Association for the Promotion of Herefordshire, but there were positive vibes, too.

Members of the county tourism association heard from its chairman Jennie Layton how floods and foot and mouth disease had affected many businesses.

About 100 members met at the River Terrace, Left Bank, and heard tribute paid to Councillor Mary Bew, who had chaired the inaugural meeting back in 1980 -- with the first visitor guide produced in 1981.

Brochures covering the activities of two decades were on display and, with a membership of more than 400, the director, Bobbie Heavens spoke of an exciting way forward for the association.

"The value of partnerships cannot be over-emphasised as this past year has shown how important our industry is to the economy of the county," she said.