BRIGHTON and Hove has been named as one of four tourist destinations chosen to work with the national tourist board, VisitEngland, to improve access to attractions.

The Access for All campaign is aimed at championing and improving accessible tourism in England and the city was invited to take part because of its consistent commitment to improving accessibility for visitors.

As part of the campaign, which will be funded by £100,000 from the regional growth fund, as well as contributions from partners and VisitBrighton, the city’s top accommodation spots and visitor attractions were investigated to see if the access can be improved.

The Royal Pavilion, Preston Manor and the city’s museums as well as the Thistle Brighton, Jurys Inn and Hilton Brighton Metropole were all assessed as part of the project.

Investigations were carried out to look at the public areas and bedrooms, signage, literature and websites to assess the wheelchair access and how they accommodated those with hearing and visual impairments.

Geoffrey Bowden, chairman of Brighton and Hove City Council’s Economic Development & Culture committee, said: “This campaign is a cost-effective way for us to showcase our accessible tourism businesses and attract more visits from disabled travellers and those with access needs.

“We know there’s plenty more work to be done to ensure access isn’t a barrier wherever possible but this is a step in the right direction and it’s good to know that Brighton and Hove is among the destinations leading the way. “The aim of the work done at the hotels and attractions is to ensure that accessible rooms as well as public spaces are accessible to the highest level they can achieve.”