TO some the stunning architecture, fine food and inspiring culture of cities such as Dublin, Amsterdam and Prague may draw visitors like a magnet.

But to those enjoying their last night of pure, unadulterated singledom there is no place better than our very own Blackpool!

For - according to tour operators and tourism chiefs - stags and hens from around the UK and Europe are shunning the world's most beautiful hotspots in a bid to enjoy their last ditch night of revelry in the resort.

It's ironic that more people should choose to celebrate the start of their matrimonial lives in a resort which has just been named as the divorce capital of Britain.

The resort has also been helped by the decision of many European cities to turn their backs on large groups of young British tourists.

Many choose to sample the delights of the town's 200 plus pubs, 42 nightclubs, three lap-dancing venues, two casino's and famous Pleasure Beach attraction.

A spokesman for Blackpool-based Partyzone - which specialises in organised trips to the seaside mecca - claims there has been a massive upsurge in interest from even the "culture snobs".

He said: "Over the last couple of years we've seen our Stag and Hen night bookings leap from the hundreds into the thousands.

"The culture snobs have always looked down their nose at Blackpool, but it's always been a great, easy-going place to go out with your mates for a good time.

"Blackpool's coming back into fashion again and with the future flights from Dublin and London we're going to see even more people spending time here, possibly on double city party deals."

Blackpool Borough Council's Head of Tourism, Jane Seddon, is not surprised by the town's burgeoning popularity.

She said: "Blackpool's fun, it's unpretentious and it was built for having a good time.