ELY S fresh set of tourism guides have earned the industry s top award. Seventeen people gained the coveted Blue Badge after sitting exams on topics as diverse as drainage of the Fens and life in Ely Cathedral. The potential guides spent a gruelling six

ELY'S fresh set of tourism guides have earned the industry's top award.

Seventeen people gained the coveted Blue Badge after sitting exams on topics as diverse as drainage of the Fens and life in Ely Cathedral.

The potential guides spent a gruelling six months listening to lectures and attending practical demonstrations.

Tracey Harding, tourism leader for East Cambridgeshire District Council said: "Unfortunately we lost a few people along the way, but those who survived learnt about subjects as varied as the civil war, ghosts, and architectural information. Now we have more guides we can take on more group tours as well as guide visitors round Oliver Cromwell's House on Saturdays."

City Walk tours will start this month and continue through to September.

If you would like to know more about the history of your city, call 01353 665555.