ONE of Teesside best known tourist attractions had a big rise in the number of visitors during Easter weekend.

The total number of visitors to Hartlepool Historic Quay rose by a third compared to the same weekend last year. From Good Friday to Easter Monday, 2,223 people visited compared to 1,632 in 2003.

The number of family visits was also up, from 425 to 640, and the number of people using quay cards - pre-pay cards which give unlimited visits to the quay for a year - increased from six to 136.

The quay, a recreation of a seaport in the Napleonic era, tries to recreate the sights and sounds of 18th Century life. Attractions include authentic harbourside shops, and a children's adventure playship.

Susan I'Anson, commercial officer at the Historic Quay, said: "We are very pleased by these latest visitor numbers, particularly as we had a bit of a blip at Easter last year when turnout was a bit lower than we would normally have expected.

"An added attraction this year which was really popular was the falconry displays by the Exotic Animal Welfare Trust, which went down a treat with people of all ages."

Workshops include creating flowers on Monday, making a cup and ball toy on Wednesday and making butterfly mobiles on Friday. For details, call (01429) 869706.