AN historic city's most famous tourist attraction has started the countdown to welcoming its 12 millionth visitor.

The Jorvik Viking Centre in York is expecting the landmark visitor to walk through the door in the next three weeks after reporting strong visitor numbers in the first few months of the year.

The success is likely to come in mid-August, despite predictions earlier in the year that the figure would be reached in September.

Marketing manager Nicola Bexon said: "With more people coming through the doors, we are on schedule to welcome the 12 millionth visitor almost a month early.

"Jorvik has made a huge impact on so many people from throughout the world and this is a real achievement and a great landmark in Jorvik's own history."

Although the exact date will not be confirmed until early August, the centre is planning a series of giveaways for the day, including a mystery gift for visitor number 12 million.