A TOURIST information point threatened with closure has seen a 30 per cent increase in business since reopening last month.

The Great Ayton service was to close this year after Hambleton District Council withdrew its support.

But Great Ayton Parish Council stepped in to fund it for a further year and the point opened for business on April 3.

Since then, 30per cent more visitors have called in than during the same period last year.

Harold Stonehouse, the manager of the 30-plus volunteers who runthe point, in the car park next to High Green, said he was delighted by the response.

"Villagers were disgusted that the service was threatened with closure," he said. "They rallied round and made sure visitors were aware of it."

He said simple improvements like posting a notice about the tourist information point in the village's library had helped direct visitors to it.

"We are also very grateful to the parish council for its support and hope that it might continue next year."

The tourist point is open seven days a week, from 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday and 1pm to 4pm on Sundays.