HERALDED by a solitary bugler, an English marine from the 17th century suddenly appeared from a guardroom hollering commands to the group gathered on the fort's parade ground.

HERALDED by a solitary bugler, an English marine from the 17th century suddenly appeared from a guardroom hollering commands to the group gathered on the fort's parade ground.

It was like stepping back in time at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort - except for the bundle carried under the musket-bearing soldier's arm.

For the marine was delivering the first batch of the 2005 Suffolk Coast holiday guide, presenting the glossy brochures to Suffolk Coastal chairman Trevor Hawkins.

The fort was chosen for the launch as it is the site of the last invasion of England by a foreign power and first land battle for English Marines on July 2, 1667, and will also have a role to play in next year's SeaBritain celebrations.

As the community leaders watching the ceremony shivered in the cold, it was also like stepping back to last summer when the weather was chilly and damp for weeks on end.

"There is always a massive demand for the guide and consequent interest in Suffolk Coastal as a holiday area," said John Perry, cabinet member for economy.

"Copies of this holiday guide are sent literally all over the world. It is promoted through national media, the British Resorts' Association national campaign and the regional seaside campaign so more people than ever are finding out that Suffolk Coastal is a great area to visit."

The guide contains details of hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs, self-catering accommodation, caravans and camping sites, and tourist attractions.

A national advertising campaign begins on Boxing Day and staff expect a busy January and February mailing out copies to homes across the country, as well as the national network of Tourist Information Centres.