THE North-East's rural economy has received a boost of more than £2m after a record year for grouse shooting.

The shooting season ends today and a Moorland Association survey shows that moors in Upper Teesdale and Weardale have seen a 150 per cent increase in shooting days compared with last year.

In the North Pennines, 310 shooting days were held, raising £1.9m in revenue, which will be ploughed back into management to safeguard the future of the moorland habitat.

An extra £365,575 has been injected into the economy in terms of casual labour.

Preparing food for participants' has also raised £82,850, while more than £97,700-worth of red grouse has been sold.

Moorland Association chairman Simon Bostock said: "This is good news for the rare upland bird life that they support - and also good news for local businesses and individuals who rely on income from grouse shooting.

"On the other hand, if grouse shooting fails for reasons beyond human control - as it has in some areas this year - shooting cancellations mean really tough times in the uplands for those affected.

"Hopefully, next year will bring better prospects for Scotland, the Southern Peaks, parts of the North York Moors and Northumberland, to redress the balance."