The power of the sun brought everyone out of their homes and out to play this weekend, says Devon Association of Tourist Attractions (DATA).

The power of the sun brought everyone out of their homes and out to

play this weekend, says Devon Association of Tourist Attractions (DATA).

The Indian summer weather meant plenty of visitors to the county and

Devon's top attractions, bringing a much needed boost to the tourist

industry and smiles to people's faces.

Crealy's Angela Wright, Chair of DATA ,said: "It has been a wonderful weekend

for the industry with some much-needed sunshine encouraging everyone

out of their homes. All our attractions get a real buzz when we have

lots of happy visitors and this weekend has been one of the best all

year."

Devon's Crealy Great Adventure Park recorded a 20% rise in visitor

numbers on this time in 2007, while North Devon's the Big Sheep have

had a massive 51% rise in visitor numbers on September 2007.

Rick Turner, managing director of the Big Sheep, said: "We are on a

real roll here at the Big Sheep, already our September numbers are 51%

percent up on last year. This is reflective of the fact we had an

event-led September and it has paid dividends."

Other attractions are also finding that holding special events are a

way of increasing visitor numbers when the weather can't be relied on.

Woodlands Leisure Park were delighted to welcome Cubs and Scouts from

all over Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, creating a 300-tent town over a

10-acre area of their caravan park.

RHS Rosemoor held a Craft Fayre over three days, an annual event for the

garden attraction. This year, numbers were up 13% on 2007 proving that

some decent weather together with a popular event will always draw

visitors.

Coombe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, which boasts Shaun Ellis

the Wolfman as one of its regular attractions, and Seaton Tramway in

South Devon also reported plenty of visitors.

Angela continued: "Every year we try and attract visitors to the

county in September as there is always a good chance of lovely

weather. We want to promote Devon as a year-round destination, and

with the sunshine and the beginnings of autumn's colours it is a very

special time to come.