TRADERS in Blackpool have enjoyed a cracking Easter weekend with some venues reporting massive increases on 1998 figures.

The sunshine brought out the crowds and last year's dismal season is now disappearing in the haze.

Blackpool Zoo, Leisure Parcs, Blackpool Pleasure Beach and the Blackpool Hotel and Guest Association are all looking forward to a bumper summer season following this promising start.

Blackpool Zoo alone can confirm a 50 per cent boost on last year's holiday numbers with an amazing 10,000 people pouring through the gates compared to 6,000 recorded for 1998's holiday weekend.

Speaking for the town's largest business group, Leisure Parcs consultant Brian Crompton added: "The Zoo figures represent a general trend during the Easter period and we are highly optimistic for the rest of the year."

The Pleasure Beach are smiling too, reporting incredible crowds over the weekend.

Fylde tourism officer Paul Norris announced brisk business for the Tourist Information Centre while Josie Hammond of the Blackpool Hotel and Guest House Association commented: "It was certainly a better Easter than last year thanks to the weather and the figures are mixed between day trippers and overnight stays.

"People tend to test out the resort during the holiday and book later in the year."

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