The Isle of Wight could be welcoming a visit from the government's current tourism minister in the spring, after MP Bob Seely met with Stuart Andrew.

Mr Andrew's pledge to make a trip to the Island has been welcomed by the managing director of Visit Isle of Wight, Will Myles.

More than 2.4 million visitors cross the Solent each year and they spend £350 million pounds during their Isle of Wight visits, according to the tourism organisation's figures.

Mr Myles said: "I welcome Bob’s discussions with the newly appointed tourism minister."

He added: "It is a highly competitive marketplace out there for holidays, short breaks and day visits.

"2023 and beyond will be even more competitive and we need to ensure the Island’s tourism agenda is front and centre."

Bob Seely said: "I’m keen that the minister visits us to see what a fantastic visitor economy we have on the Island.

"We have something very unique in terms of our tourism offer and I want us to showcase this nationally."