New figures show that Alnwick, which was used as the location for the film wizard's school Hogwarts, also show family trips have almost doubled.

The news is included in an independent survey to evaluate the effectiveness of a new holiday guide.

Alnwick Castle and the town's gardens complex are the top attractions.

Travel exhibitions

The holiday guide is produced by Alnwick District Council to attract visitors to the area and to promote places of interest, attractions and local accommodation.

Each year the council distributes 50,000 copies throughout the UK and Europe, at travel exhibitions and in response to high profile marketing

Maria Manion, head of regeneration at Alnwick District Council said: "Overall the guide is producing an excellent conversion of inquiries to visitors.

"The associated economic spin off this brings to the local economy, in particular, tourism related business is considerable.

"We also have to consider that these businesses help to support other services in the district."