IF your parents are holidaying in Preston then you'd better watch out, they are probably spending your inheritance.

So says a new tourism report, which claims Preston is a magnet for the SKI (Spend Kid's Inheritance) Brogues everywhere - the jargonese name given to over 55s who are out to spend their children's inheritance.

Along with people from Ireland and 'New Empty Nesters' - people whose children have just flown the nest and enjoy countryside pursuits - they are the people who helped keep 4,000 in work and helped Preston rake in £32 million per annum in tourist revenue.

The statistics are reported in Preston Borough Council's Draft Service Delivery Plan for Tourism, which sets out the council's plans for boosting the popularity of the town.

Using a variety of studies, the council has drawn up a strategy which they hope will result in thousands flocking to the won each year.

The Cambridge Economic Impact study, commissioned by the town, claims people remember the hospitality of Prestonians, the wide range of shops and Preston's market more than anything else.

On the downside, visitors criticised the town's chronic congestion, its litter problems and expensive parking.

And, according to our fussy visitors, Preston needs more culture, more museums, improvements to Riversway and a theme park if it is to become a real crowd puller.

Now steps are being taken to make sure Preston is at the forefront of tourism in the new Millennium.

Interested parties are currently being consulted on the Preston Tourism and Visitor Strategy, which lists Preston's plans for the future.

A council spokesman said: "We have a lot going for us and we need to build on that. There are several big events planned for next year, and the introduction of Visitor and Accommodation Guide should help."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.