TOURISM chiefs hope a discount card will give a boost to attractions hit by the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Northern Electric's Powerpass scheme has been running since 1997, but this year it will try to revive the fortunes of an industry affected by movement restrictions in the countryside.

The card costs £1, with proceeds going to charity, and gives reduced admission to 150 attractions in the North-East, Yorkshire and North-West.

Bouts of Giant Sumo wrestling were staged at the MetroCentre, Gateshead, at the weekend to promote the card.

Two adults using the card pay only one charge, while a family of three would get free entry for the child.

About 100,000 cards have been issued since the scheme started and Northumbria Tourist Board hopes they prove especially popular this year.

Richard Spencer, head of marketing, said: "The figures for February, march and April show that 49 per cent of attractions suffered cancellations by groups.

"The total number of visitors in March was 71 per cent down on March last year. It is a massive drop.

"This scheme has been running for years, and we thought we would invest a lot more in it. We want to get as many people as possible involved. It will help with our recovery process.

"We hope that some of the money people save by using the card will be spent on things like ice creams, postcards and gifts.

"Hopefully, we are seeing the end of foot-and-mouth and getting better weather, and we hope to sell more cards this year."

Saltburn Smugglers Heritage Centre, Bede's World in Jarrow, Beamish Museum and Hartlepool Historic Quay are among the attractions at which the card can be used.

It is available from Northern Electric showrooms and tourist information centres.

Proceeds will go to the Sunshine Fund, the Bubble Appeal, Weston Spirit, Freeman Hospital Transplant Unit and South Cleveland hospital's baby unit.