The Royal Armouries in Leeds has seen an additional 59,676 people in the last year - up 24%.

The National Railway Museum in York saw an extra 197,596 visitors - a rise of 36%.

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell has now pledged renewed government funding for the scheme.

The NRM saw an extra 197,596 visitors

She said: "No longer is income an obstacle to enjoying the riches of our cultural heritage."

"The simple truth is that, now entry fees have been swept away, our world-famous museums have been attracting many people for the very first time."

Entrance fees were scrapped at museums and galleries in England on 1 December 2001.

Overall, the formerly-charging institutions saw a rise of nearly 70% on average, with the largest increase at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London - up 111%.