A virtual training academy is being planned for Gwent to alleviate a growing recruitment crisis in the South East Wales tourism industry.

Backers claim the academy will fill a "training and sign posting" void which is thought to be deterring hundreds of people from entering the tourism sector.

The initiative, which is still looking for a name, is the idea of Capital Region Tourism (CRT).

The agency claims that more than 2,000 vacancies are on offer in the region's tourism sector at any one time.

CRT director Peter Cole said: "In many people's eyes, tourism is still not seen as a great career option. Often it is regarded as a temporary solution until something better comes along, or a choice for unskilled workers.

"The reality, however, is quite different. Statistics show that the tourism industry employs more than 10 per cent of the Welsh workforce and contributes more than £2 billion to the Welsh economy."

CRT hopes the academy's programme will open the eyes of employers and recruits to each other's potential, and ensure South East Wales has the workforce needed to meet growth targets for tourism of 6.5 per cent per annum.

As well as those just starting their working lives, the academy will target the 27 per cent of South East Wales' workforce which is regarded as 'inactive' by the Assembly - a figure surpassing the Welsh average of 21%.

Mr Cole said: "Tourism is an extremely flexible profession - ideal for returnees to work who may have to juggle home life with a career, and also for the over-50s who are still keen to work on either a full-time or part-time basis."

Husband and wife team Graham and Dorothy Harvey, from Nelson, left their old careers to pursue a new life in tourism, and are said to be typical of the sort of people CRT wants to reach thr-ough the new academy.

The Harveys, both in their 50s, are stewards at the 17th century Llancaiach Fawr Manor House, which attracts more than 60,000 visitors a year.

Dorothy had been a craft instructor in the mental health field.

She is now head of historical interpretation at Llancaiach Fawr and also plays the historic role of the manor's seamstress, Elisabeth Proude.

Husband Graham was a cash register engineer who now spends his working days as John Bolitho, valet to Colonel Prichard.

Their mutual interest in local history lead them into tourism and both feel that their combination of job security and satisfaction means that they have no desire to slow down.

Dorothy said: "We've been able to combine our hobbies and interests with a career.

"We've helped shape Llancaiach Fawr into what it is today and feel a part of its future."