Preston has been attracting millions of people Pic: Billy Matthews

Preston attracted 6.6 million tourists in 2014, contributing an estimated £284 million to the economy.

Lancashire saw increased visitors across the board, with Blackpool and Lancaster also attracting a substantial number of visitors.

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Visitors are also spending longer in the area. The majority are day visitors but the average stay is now 3.1 nights.

Ruth Connor, chief executive of Marketing Lancashire, said: ““It is encouraging to see growth continue across Lancashire particularly in visitors staying longer and spending more money in the county.

“A day is simply not long enough to enjoy all that Lancashire has to offer and if day visitors, who still represent 87% of all visitors, have a great time then the best news is that they want to come back to stay even longer.”

It is hoped that 2015 will see more visitors come to Lancashire by building the county’s profile by focusing on food and drink, the outdoors and heritage.