Hythe Chamber of Commerce and Tourism (HCCT) has started a campaign whose objectives are to increase membership, to persuade more residents to shop locally and to attract more visitors.

The chamber has appointed Jane Dunn, a former district reporter, as secretary, with the special task of promoting the benefits of membership to a wider range of businesses than those - now mainly High Street-located - which at present belong to the organisation.

HCCT chairman Kevin Howell said that the purpose of the membership drive was not only not to bring in people with ideas and enthusiasm to sustain the work of the chamber but also to increase subscription revenue in order to ensure funding to market Hythe as a good place to shop, to visit and to do business.

"The bigger we are, the stronger we can be in representing and promoting local interests. The package of membership benefits has been extended and now includes the much-acclaimed map-guide publlshed last month and which will be complemented by a dedicated website - www.hytheguide.co.uk  - to be launched shortly.

At £60 per annum, the subscription fee provides worthwhile benefits and is an excellent value-for-money investment.

"To increase the impact and extend the reach of our promotion activities we have joined the Discover Folkestone, Hythe & Romney Marsh tourism partnership, which promotes the Shepway district in UK and overseas markets".

Mr Howell was re-elected chairman at last month's annual general meeting of the chamber.

Joanna Ames was re-elected vice-chairman. An executive committee includes representatives of retailers, tourism-related businesses, providers of professional services and the Town Council.

For information about HCCT membership, events and activities, call Jane Dunn on 07796 601894.