The Forest of Dean's tourism and leisure economy is in line to benefit from a £30.2 million economic boost in 2019.

Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Tourism has been busy with its calculator and worked out that the decision to scrap the Severn Bridge tolls will have a significant impact.

According to the cross-border group, the picturesque stretch of Gloucestershire countryside, plus neighbouring Herefordshire and Monmouthshire, will see day visitor numbers rise by as much as 15 per cent.

The 'region' - which has almost 8,000 people working in tourism within its 1,060 square miles - currently welcomes an estimated 6.2million day trips annually amounting to a spend estimated estimated at £187 million.

"We whole heartedly welcome the abolition of the Toll. It will be a truly joyous day for us all in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.

"A growth of 15 per cent in day trips is significant but well within our reach with a strong marketing campaign planned to lure new visitors and ensure that our existing visitors come back even more and stay longer", said Helen O'Kane, co-chair of Wye Valley & Forest of Dean Tourism.

"There are many people who hope to benefit way beyond the immediate impact it will have to be our commuters who will all have around £1,500 more in their pockets each year and we hope some of this will be spent within the region too."

"Anecdotal evidence from our members has shown how the toll created a barrier to so many considering the region as a day trip destination from areas such as Bristol, South Gloucestershire and further afield in Wiltshire and the Mendips.

"These are the people who we will be focusing our message on first, families, day trippers and adventurers."

Dawn Thompson, head of recreation and engagement (West England) of Forestry Commission England, said: "Take away the toll and I'm sure we will be top of the 'must do' list of value for money day trips for families in the South West.

Ms O'Kane added: "All these opportunities and what we already know are the predicted increases in bridge crossings following the lifting of the toll (11,000 per day across both bridges), make our target of 1 million extra visitors achievable."

Work started today on demolishing the toll booths on the Prince of Wales Bridge. Tolls will no longer be charged from Monday, December 17. Major disruption is expected as work takes place.

It is understood 100 jobs are at risk as a result.