BUMPER crowds over the Bank Holiday weekend are helping the tourism industry to slowly recover in the wake of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Attractions all over the North-East have reported large numbers of visitors, tempted out by a combination of sunshine and the lifting of some foot-and-mouth restrictions.

In the North York Moors National Park, where most footpaths remained shut, the introduction of a Moors bus service proved popular.

Mike Pratt, head of information for the park, said: "I have spoken to drivers taking passengers from Hull and Teesside, and they have reported full buses -- there has been an incredible response.

"That shows people have been waiting in the wings for us to put on a service to give them the opportunity of going around sheep-free villages."

Mr Pratt added: "There is still a lot to make up because incomes are about 50 per cent down, so there is still a long way to go before we make a full recovery.

"But visitors are definitely increasing in numbers and that is great news for the tourism industry."

The Yorkshire Dales National Park reported a growth in so-called "tarmac tourism", with many visitors contacting its tourist information centre uncertain about where they can visit - although overall numbers are down on the same time last year.

Northumberland National Park was still closed to visitors yesterday but some attractions have reopened.

Cragside House and Gardens, near Rothbury, reported a quiet start, but a spokesman said: "The car parks are filling up and things are certainly starting to pick up."

Beamish Museum, in County Durham, reported an increase in trade over the weekend and was said to be very busy yesterday.

The coast has also proved a popular destination. A spokeswoman at Whitby tourist information centre said: "We have been busier, but there is certainly a lot of people in town."

Durham was extremely busy, with bookings at hotels and bed and breakfasts up. Many were in the city yesterday to watch a regatta organised by Olympic legend Steve Redgrave.

A spokeswoman for Yorkshire Tourist Board said visitor numbers were high. She added: "York has been extremely busy and our information line has been quite busy, which shows a lot of people are looking for things to do."