NEW signs and maps for visitors have been launched in Ayr to make sure nobody misses the town's best attractions.

A town crier signalled the unveiling at the Carnegie Library of new black and gold Ayr-Ways signs and a free, pocket-sized map of the town centre.

Tourism brings in about £200million a year to South Ayrshire so the signage system, complete with 100,000 promotional maps, has been hailed as a big boost to guiding visitors.

A special exhibit at the Carnegie Library will run until May 19 showing off some of the town's hot spots, such as the Citadel, High Street, Sandgate and the seafront.

South Ayrshire Council's Depute Provost, Mary Kilpatrick, said: "The new Ayr-Ways signs and pocket map will make it easier to explore and ensure they do not miss the exciting places of interest within walking distance of the town centre."

The council funded the project with Scottish Enterprise and EU support.