THREE tourist businesses have reported a great start to the year.

They say that footfall, the number of ice creams sold and happy wedding guests show they are beating the recession.

Crook Hall and Gardens, Prince Bishops River Cruises and Durham Markets Company are all part of the tourist trade in Durham City.

Following success last year, on the back of increased visits from coach parties, all say a sunny Easter helped this year get off to a strong start.

Maggie Bell, co-owner of Crook Hall and Gardens, said: “The decent weather and all of our joint working to get visitors through the doors has really helped us.

“We’ve had double the numbers of customers through our gates compared to Easter last year.”

Colin Wilkes, from the Durham Markets Company, said footfall through the indoor market had increased by five per cent.

Jamie Robson, of Prince Bishops River Cruises, said his sightseeing boat trips along the River Wear had attracted more interest.