A TOURIST attraction has recorded its highest number of visitors during a weekend for five years.

The number of people using the renovated Saltburn cliff lift peaked at 9,854 at the weekend - the most since 1996.

Work on the lift, which was completed last year, was carried out with money from the European Regional Development Fund and the Heritage Lottery Fund, at a cost of £49,849.

A tourism spokesman said: "The fact that the numbers are rising quite dramatically is probably due to a number of factors, including the pier reopening, and the lifting of some foot-and-mouth restrictions."

and the Saltburn Swashbuckle event on Sunday."

More changes are on the way, with the installation next month of ornate metal fencing, costing £31,695, to replace old wooden fencing along the track.