Visitor numbers to North East Lincolnshire continue to rise, new figures have revealed.

Figures for the 2017 season (full year), released in the latest STEAM report (a measurement of tourism), show visitor numbers have increased by 1.6%, from 10.04m in 2016 to 10.20m in 2017.

Cleethorpes has seen a significant growth in visitor numbers, up by 7.1%, from 3.18m in 2016 to 3.407m in 2017.

The report shows that the value of tourism increased by 4.8% from £562.26m in 2016 to £589.28m in 2017. Cleethorpes saw a rise of 8.5% to £275.05m.

Shopping and food and drink sectors also generated a total of £263.84m of direct economic impact in 2017.

Visitors to North East Lincolnshire supported more than 6,950 jobs, increasing by 3.4% from 2016.

Councillor Gaynor Rogers, portfolio holder for tourism, said: “It’s great that our figures continue to grow as tourism is hugely important to us.

“North East Lincolnshire has so much to offer, with an array of independent shops, eateries and hotels, alongside our traditional beach offer. It’s fantastic that so many people are coming to enjoy it.

“We are constantly working on improving the area to attract visitors, but also for our residents and businesses too. This report is a great indication that we’re moving forward in terms of attracting people to visit the area.”