Tourists braved damp weather to show that Bradford and district was still a popular Easter destination for day-trippers.

The Bank Holiday weekend proved to be a chance for tourist hot-spots in the district to cash in after suffering badly in the foot and mouth crisis.

Haworth tourist information centre saw more than 3,700 people pass through its doors over the weekend, representing a ten per cent increase on last year's figures.

Tricia Tillotson, centre manager, said: "We've had a lot of uptake for our road walks, also Penistone Hill opened on Friday so lots of people came in to enquire if it's okay to walk there, and to find out what other restrictions had been lifted."

While Haworth may have benefited from a lift on footpath closures, Ilkley had a mixed time. The town acts as the starting point for the Dales Way, the finishing point for the Ebour Way, and is also a stop off point on the Alternative Pennine Way.

Marion Tetley has been running the Summerhill Guest House for 30 years. She said: "This year doesn't compare well at all. We are always full up with walkers at this time of the year, but it's been very quiet. We've only had two bookings over the whole of Easter."

But a spokesman from the town's tourist information centre stressed that despite relying heavily on walkers, Ilkley still had a busy Easter.

She said: "We've had a wonderful day today, with 600 people coming to see us by closing time. We've been doing traditional games, skipping, marbles, whipping tops, and the adults have had just as good a time as the children."

A programme of family events on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway also proved popular, as did the Bronte Scenic Tour bus which ran from Haworth station.

David Pearson, officer in charge, said: "People who wanted to get out on to the moors but couldn't have been taking the bus. Every departure has been very busy - it's been a great success.

"The trains are also running very full and I've been busy on the platform finding seats for people!"

Although foot and mouth may not have stopped people from going out and enjoying themselves this Easter, some businesses are beginning to feel the strain.

The Shipley Glen Cable Tramway has seen a drop of 40 to 50 per cent in visitor numbers since the outbreak of foot and mouth.

"Today was busy, so we are grateful for what we get really," owner Mike Leak said yesterday.

"A lot of people are making an effort to get out, and it's better than we hoped.

"What we need is some good weather and relaxation on foot and mouth restrictions and hopefully things will be more secure."

Valerie Padley runs the Ford House Farm bed and breakfast in Baildon. She described this Easter as "dreadful" and has had 26 bookings cancelled so far this month. The opening of a new equestrian centre has been postponed because of foot and mouth, and Mrs Padley says that she is losing a substantial amount of money from the two businesses every week.