The RSPB's Leighton Moss nature reserve survived the disastrous foot and mouth epidemic with increasing numbers of visitors pumping an estimated £1.2 million into the local economy.

Last year the reserve attracted 93,463 visitors - a 3 per cent leap from the last official figures of 91,153, recorded during 1999/2000.

Senior reserve warden Robin Horner said: "Foot and mouth took a terrible toll on the tourism industry in the area.

"Although the reserve closed for five weeks at the start of the crisis, we did re-open in April and visitors were then able to enjoy the delights of Leighton Moss at a time when other attractions had, regrettably, to remain closed.

"This increase shows the potential of RSPB reserves to attract visitors to the area.

Consistently over the last six or seven years, the reserve has annually been visited by more than 90,000 people and an economic survey in 1999 showed that the visitors to Leighton Moss pumped £ 1.2 million per year into the local economy," he added.

Leighton Moss and the nearby Morecambe Bay nature reserve attract visitors year-round.

Thousands of birds use Morecambe Bay as an autumn and winter stop-off on their migration routes; in spring Leighton Moss echoes to the sound of booming bitterns hoping to attract a mate and in summer the reserve is home to a large herd of red deer.

Robin added: "Leighton Moss and Morecambe Bay are fantastic places to visit at any time and the increase in our visitor numbers proves just how many people recognise that."