A MAJOR research campaign has been launched by the National Trust to help people get the most from their visits to a historic site.

More than 300,000 people visit the 900-year-old Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Estate, near Ripon, every year, making it one of the trust's most popular sites.

Swift Research, in Wetherby, has been commissioned to carry out a survey among visitors and members to ensure they have a day to remember.

Trust spokesman Jo Beddows said: "We are undertaking research to help us understand the needs and motivations of our supporters, so that when they visit us, they have a day to remember.

"The research will help us better target our events and interpretation, develop more relevant retail and catering products and introduce new campaigns to engage more visitors to our cause."