THE country's top tourism boss has heaped praise on the delights of Suffolk while holidaying in the county with his family.James Berresford, chief executive of VisitEngland, is currently staying at the Brudenell Hotel in Aldeburgh with his wife and mother-in-law.

THE country's top tourism boss has heaped praise on the delights of Suffolk while holidaying in the county with his family.

James Berresford, chief executive of VisitEngland, is currently staying at the Brudenell Hotel in Aldeburgh with his wife and mother-in-law.

It is the first time he has been to Suffolk and he is hugely impressed with the county, having already visited resorts including Southwold, Thorpeness, Woodbridge and Orford.

However he has been particularly taken by the charms of Aldeburgh and is looking forward to tasting the town's famous fish and chips before he leaves tomorrow.

'I have seen so many people queuing for the fish and chips so it has to be a good sign,' he said yesterday. 'We will definitely have some on the beach before we go.

'Aldeburgh has been a particular highlight. It is very relaxing, the people are very welcoming and from a professional point of view the quality of hotels, shops, restaurants and pubs is fantastic.'

Mr Berresford said he was also hoping to visit Bury St Edmunds and Sutton Hoo before leaving.

'We really want to make this part of the world the holiday Mecca it deserves to be,' he said. 'There has been a resurgence in domestic holidays because people realise the product has improved and this wonderful county is a prime example. The quality can match anywhere in the world.

'We should be proud that we offer such a great holiday experience in England and here in Suffolk has to be one of the top destinations in the country.'

The tourism industry is worth �1.63bn each year to the Suffolk economy and employs approximately 30,000 people.

Mr Berresford was speaking as the Brudenell Hotel held a party to celebrate a �1.5m refurbishment, which includes four new bedrooms and a brand new private dining area and meeting room.

Tim Rowan-Robinson, managing director of Thorpeness and Aldeburgh Hotels, which owns the Brudenell, said: 'We are delighted.

'We have also just been given four stars and a gold award from VisitEngland. It is very exciting times.'