THE new tourism season has barely got under way but already one of the region's major attractions has cause to celebrate.

Staff at Fountains Abbey and the Studley Royal estate, near Ripon, are preparing for summer on a new high after discovering that last year broke all records.

Counting of last season's visitor numbers at the abbey, one of Britain's few official World Heritage Sites, has just been completed.

It has revealed that it was a record-breaking year, attracting 325,000 visitors.

The attraction is open all year to visitors and, like many other local and regional tourist attractions, saw an increase in visitor numbers in the 2003/2004 season.

The estate has been cared for since 1983 by the National Trust, the country's leading conservation charity, and consistently ranks in the top three of its most visited properties.

The director general of the trust, Fiona Reynolds, travelled to the abbey to congratulate staff and thank them for their efforts. She also joined them in welcoming Easter visitors to the estate.

Property manager Chris Fowler said everyone was delighted by the success indicated by the visitor figures.

"The Fountains estate holds a special place in so many people's hearts," he said.

"Not just for the peace and tranquillity of the site, but also for the beauty and uniqueness of the abbey ruins set alongside the water garden. It is also a fun day out for all the family and we are delighted that so many people came to enjoy themselves here."

He said: "We can only hope that 2004 brings more good weather and many more visitors to enjoy this World Heritage site."