Tourism operators have celebrated a " fabulous" Easter a year after the foot-and-mouth crisis caused millions of pounds to drain away from the local economy.

Efforts to entice visitors back and sunny forecasts brought day-trippers and holidaymakers out in force, helping the industry rebound from the effects of September 11 and foot-and-mouth.

Lake shore towns like Bowness were bustling and fell tops welcomed back walkers, while indoor attractions also fared well, particularly when the drizzle set in.

Cumbria Tourist Board's operations director Ian Stephens said: "It seems to have been a fabulous weekend - we have had lots of positive reports from around the county which is tremendous news.

"Information centres were particularly busy.

People were calling in and expressing their delight that things were back to normal."

It is hoped the bumper bank holiday marks the start of a buoyant season.