WELCOME to Yorkshire’s website has been experiencing a sharp upturn in visitors - thanks in part to a new TV series.

The tourist marketing organisation says it has enjoyed a 75 per cent increase in traffic to www.yorkshire.com for September, year on year - with its Yorkshire Dales pages showing a 90 per cent rise ‌in views for September 1 to September 16.

And it is convinced the upturn is linked to the ratings success of Channel 5’s new adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small.

The show, focused on the adventures of Yorkshire vet James Herriot, is set in picturesque parts of the Dales and has Harry Potter star Matthew Lewis - who was raised in Horsforth - among its cast.

Welcome to Yorkshire’s page for Grassington, the location of Darrowby in the TV show, has seen a 187 per cent increase in hits which peaked on September 1 - the date when the first episode of All Creatures... was broadcast.

Welcome to Yorkshire Chief Executive James Mason said: “The power of TV and film shot in the county and its impact on audiences across the globe is colossal.

“Visitor numbers to Yorkshire increased rapidly pre-COVID-19 following the success of hit productions such as Gentleman Jack, Victoria and Downton Abbey which spectacularly showcased wonderful heritage buildings and stunning scenery.

“All Creatures Great and Small captures a positivity and a love of the awe-inspiring outdoors which is welcome now more than ever.

“It’s no surprise that, after seeing Yorkshire on screen, people then want to experience its beauty and drama first hand which is a real positive for tourism businesses and also as an incentive to encourage people to not only choose Yorkshire as a place to visit, but to live, work and study.”

Further interest in the county from American audiences is also set to increase next year when All Creatures Great and Small will be shown across the USA.

Welcome to Yorkshire, meanwhile, has linked up with Screen Yorkshire through a new website, www.filmedinyorkshire.co.uk, to provide click-through information on www.yorkshire.com which lists things to do and places to stay at filming locations in the area.

All Creatures Great and Small has been Channel 5’s biggest success, in terms of TV share, since Celebrity Big Brother in 2006.

Its popularity has also resulted in a rise in visitor numbers to the Thirsk home and practice of Alf Wight, the vet who wrote under his pen name, James Herriot.

Managing Director of The World Of James Herriot in Thirsk, Ian Ashton, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that this iconic show is back on our screens. We’ve been involved with the production company since the start, as much of the memorabilia used in the programme comes from the museum.

“We’re already seeing an increase in interest and in numbers, but obviously we have to be incredibly careful at the moment because of COVID-19.

“This is just the kind of boost we all need right now with so much doom and gloom about, a great wholesome show that can be enjoyed by the whole family. “It’s great for us but also extremely good for the area and the whole county too.”