TOURISTS have flooded into Morecambe since the Queen's unveiling of the Eric Morecambe statue, new figures reveal.

Early indicators show that the number of people visiting Morecambe Tourist Information Centre is up threefold on the same period last year and, importantly, more people are staying overnight.

A number of factors are being credited with the tourism boom. As well as the publicity generated by the new statue, the good weather, summer holidays and major promenade events are thought to have had an effect. Said tourism chairman, Cllr June Ashworth: "Many visitors are commenting that they haven't seen Morecambe so busy for 20 years and everyone is saying mow much they like the improvements. But the biggest topic of conversation is definitely the new Eric Morecambe statue, which has been an instant success.

Julie Finnigan from the Tourist Information Centre said there was marked increase in the number of visitors wanting to stay overnight.

She said: "Since the statue was unveiled I've spoken to many families who in previous years I would have expected to be day visitors but who now ask us to find them accommodation. They are full of praise for the new seafront and are deciding they want to stay longer."

Head of Tourism Ron Sands hopes to keep the momentum. Sculptor of the Eric Morecambe statue, Graham Ibbeson, is currently considering producing cold cast bronze models of the statue and local photographer Jon Sparks has produced a special set of pictures of the statue illuminated at night.

Said Mr Sands: "I hope we can use these superb photographs in future colour brochures and on postcards. They will ensure that the statue becomes an important evening attraction as well as a must see with tourists in the daytime."

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