A RECORD five million visits were made to National Trust houses and gardens across the region last year.

Dorset saw the biggest increase of 4.6 per cent between January 1 and December compared to Devon and Somerset.

Alistair Handyside, chair of the South West Tourism Alliance said: “This achievement by the National Trust is really quite remarkable, especially considering the weather at the start of the year.

“It underlines both the value and importance of the National Trust in this region, as both an all year round asset and employer and shows the benefits of having such a wide range of their properties.”