LANCASHIRE’S tourism bosses said there had been a huge explosion in wedding venue inquiries after Prince William and Kate Middleton tied the knot.

The Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board said there was an 83per cent surge in traffic on visitlancashire. com wedding venues in April, compared with April 2010.

Some of the most clicked on venues were; Stanley House in Mellor, Mitton Fold Hotel, Whalley Abbey, The Millstone at Mellor and Samlesbury Hall.

Salmesbury Hall director Sharon Jones said: “The hall took deposits on bookings just days after the royal wedding.”

Donna Evenson, from Mitton Fold, said “We are always busy, but bookings seem to have gone up from last year.”