TOURIST attractions, towns and villages across East Anglia have enjoyed a record-breaking Easter weekend – in stark contrast to 12 months ago. It seemed more people than ever were determined to enjoy a trip into the rural areas of the region as part of their Bank Holiday enjoyment.

TOURIST attractions, towns and villages across East Anglia have enjoyed a record-breaking Easter weekend – in stark contrast to 12 months ago.

It seemed more people than ever were determined to enjoy a trip into the rural areas of the region as part of their Bank Holiday enjoyment.

The contrast between this year and the previous year could hardly have been greater.

Last Easter the countryside was fighting the foot-and-mouth epidemic with footpaths closed and many tourist attractions delaying their opening in a bid to prevent the spread of the disease.

This year, thousands of people visited Colchester Zoo, and owner Dominique Tropeano said: "It has been very, very busy and people have come from all the way along the M25 corridor and as far away as Norfolk.

"It has been the busiest Easter since we came in 1983. On Friday I think we had about 7,500 people, there was about 5,000 on Saturday and 6,000 both days on Sunday and today (Monday)."

Maureen Taylor, of Mistley Place Park Environmental and Animal Rescue Centre, said they had seen a busy Easter weekend, particularly on Good Friday.

At Easton Farm Park, near Wickham Market, where the scheduled Easter opening was delayed in 2001, had a busy Easter period.

Park spokeswoman Fiona Kerr said: It's been a fantastic weekend and we believe we may have broken all records for the Easter weekend.

"It is certainly the best in the past five years and it is so nice to see so many people enjoying themselves."