NEW figures issued by the Yorkshire Dales National Park show that visitor numbers have continued to soar following the disastrous foot and mouth outbreak two years ago.

Visitors using national park car parks generated a total income of £338,900 during the 2002/03 financial year, spent by a total of 240,000 visitors - 25,000 more than the pre-FMD year of 2000/2001.

Jon Avison, head of park management, commented: "It is encouraging to see an increase in visitors using our car parks; it gives a clear sign that visitors are returning and making their valuable contribution to the local economy.

"The income generated by our car parks is reinvested in our continuing work to protect and maintain the area's rights of way network as well as the wildlife and special environment, which visitors come to experience and enjoy."