A DISCOUNT scheme has boosted numbers at visitor attractions to record levels.

The Passport initiative was introduced by the Herriot Country Attractions Group, which ranges from the World of James Herriot, in Thirsk, to Thorpe Perrow Arboretum, in Bedale, to give money off admission prices.

And visitors collecting stamps from at least six of the 11 attractions taking part are entered into a prize draw.

Attractions group chairman Ian Ashton said: "Our members have reported increased numbers of visitors despite the poor summer weather.

"While the number of tourists in the UK may be going down, we are bucking the trend."

Passports are valid until the end of October and also cover Monk Park Open Farm, at Bagby, Big Sheep and Little Cow, at Bedale, Trees to Treske and the Ritz Cinema, Thirsk, Falconry UK and Sion Hill Hall, at Kirby Wiske, Thirsk Museum, Sutton Park, at Sutton-on-the-Forest and the Captain Cook Schoolroom Museum at Great Ayton