PRESTON'S Tourist Information Centre handles more than 163,000 enquiries each year -- second only to the Blackpool town centre office.

The statistics, compiled by the North West Tourist Board on behalf of the Lancashire Tourism Partnership, put Preston firmly on the tourist trail.

According to the figures, enquiries at the town's tourist information centre in the Guild Hall Shopping Centre have risen by 12 per cent in recent years.

The North West Tourist Board report is a £37 million Single Regeneration Budget project aimed at increasing the profile of Lancashire as a tourist spot.

And figures for information centre enquiries are a good barometer on the state of tourism in the area.

Preston's award-winning centre, which opened in 1987, provides accommodation information and booking service, and sells merchandise and tickets.

Two new hotels in Preston, major expansion and refurbishment of other hotels, and the recent opening of the Preston Sports Arena by Princess Anne have all contributed to the town's attraction.

And major events such as the PY2K on July 8 and the Preston Mela promise to attract even bigger crowds.

Leisure services committee chairman Councillor Harold Parker said: "This is great news for Preston and confirms the importance of tourism in the town.

"The Preston Tourist Information Centre provides a vital service for visitors to the town as well as a source of information for local residents."