TOURISM in the region got the shot in the arm it needed with a bumper Easter.

Fine Spring weather brought large numbers of visitors into the countryside for the first time since the foot-and-mouth crisis last year.

Tourism managers and business owners reported a resurgence in business and renewed confidence after the region's terrible 2001.

It is estimated that the foot-and-mouth crisis cost the tourist industry £3bn in lost revenue and losses of £40m in North Yorkshire alone.

Bill Brackell, tourism officer for the North York Moors National Park, said last year visitor numbers were down by over 25pc.

"Things have really turned around. It has been the busiest Easter we have seen for years. People are finally out there walking and enjoying themselves. We didn't have a spot of rain over the holiday and the landscape was at its finest."

The World of James Herriot Centre at Thirsk reported a steady stream of visitors throughout the holiday with many from abroad.

At Beamish Museum in County Durham, the re-opening of Home Farm was an added boost. Mirriam Harte, one of the directors at Beamish, said: "We have had over 11,000 visitors and we are optimistic for the coming season."

Robin Alexander, administrator at Newby Hall, near Ripon, echoed the general mood and said it had been a very successful Easter.

There were 5,000 visitors over the four days and activities included an egg hunt and traditional egg painting.

"The result was extremely encouraging especially when you consider the competing attractions and the tragic problems of last year."

Nature's World in Middlesbrough reported that visitor numbers had doubled since last Easter and that optimism was growing after the opening of new attractions which make the centre unique in the North.

A centre spokesmen, Stuart Goldie, said: "It was important to begin well because Easter is traditionally the start of the season, especially when we had to shake off the cloud of foot-and-mouth."

The region's seaside resorts also enjoyed plenty of visitors. Saltburn was packed on Good Friday and Saturday with visitors wanting to try the re-opened cliff lift. Roads into Whitby were heavily congested on both days.

Soaring visitor numbers at the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle were attributed to the death of the Queen Mother.

The museum, which has historical and family connections with the Queen Mother, recorded 370 visitors on Sunday, the highest turnout so far this year.

An exhibition of the life of the Queen Mother is planned on Tuesday, including a display of clothes and hats and a book of condolence will open to coincide with the funeral procession.