Churches in Lincolnshire are spearheading the drive to encourage visitors to return to the country.

"Treasures of Lincolnshire" is a new A5 booklet distributed free by the Church Tourism Network in the Diocese of Lincoln. The Diocese reaches from the Humber to the Wash and is one of the most rural dioceses in the country.

The booklet gives information on churches which are open and which welcome visitors. Church Tourism Officer Rosemary Watts, who has compiled the guide said, "Most churches in Lincolnshire are close to a road and are easy to find. They try hard to make visitors welcome often with a guidebook or free leaflet about the church. There will usually be a pub or village shop nearby and each village of course has its unique character and atmosphere.

Rosemary is proud that in "England's Thousand Best Churches" Simon Jenkins claimed that "Lincolnshire churches cannot be bettered. Above all they are a pleasure to visit". With Lincolnshire so easily accessible she hopes that the new booklet will encourage more people to explore the wealth of churches many dating from before the Norman conquest. The booklet is available direct from her - telephone +44 1522 529241.

For those wanting to spend longer exploring the ecclesiastical heritage of Lincolnshire Rosemary also runs "Divine Tranquillity" short break holidays. Booking this year are up 300% which confirms her view that more and more people are discovering the churches of Lincolnshire as the ideal place to visit to get away from the stress and strain of everyday life.