visitors are flocking back to a reopened World Heritage Site in North Yorkshire, after it was shut down for two months, because of the crisis.

Fountains Abbey, near Ripon, is one of the country's most popular National Trust visitor attractions.

Just a few days after reopening, officials have been delighted that so many people have turned up at the beauty spot.

No one can yet put a figure on the financial losses suffered because of the enforced closure, but it is expected to run into thousands of pounds.

A National Trust official said yesterday that the two-month shutdown had meant an eerie silence over the estate.

Many people had travelled long distances, only to find the estate closed.

"We are very encouraged by the hundreds of visitors turning up so quickly after we reopened," said the spokesman.

"There has certainly been confusion generally about what is open and what is not during the foot-and-mouth precautions, but we are getting the message across to the public, and they are responding."

Although Fountains Abbey and its grounds are open, adjoining Studley Royal deer park remains closed, in an attempt to protect the 500-strong herd from catching the disease.

St Mary's Church, which stands at the head of the deer park, is also closed, along with higher paths of the water garden.