A TOURIST attraction in Worcestershire has claimed record numbers of visitors thanks to a major refurbishment of a spectacular fountain and gardens.

English Heritage's Witley Court has already attracted 53,220 visitors between April and August this year, smashing 2002's total figure of 41,000.

The main reason is the renovation of the Perseus and Andromeda fountain - England's answer to the "Trevi" fountain in Rome and the fountains at Versailles.

The attraction, which was described as making the "noise of an on-coming steam train" when first fired in the 1860s, cost £700,000 to resurrect, largely thanks to National Lottery funding.

It was returned to working order for the first time in more than 70 years in April, and with dozens of jets and sculpted shells, sea nymphs, dolphins and serpents, it has become a major tourist attraction.

"We are delighted by the significant increase in visitors so far this year and we will be working hard to continue throughout the autumn and winter months," said Phil Hackett, assistant director of visitor operations for English Heritage in the West Midlands.

Glory

"In their heyday, the gardens and fountains were a sight to behold, historically, one of the most important gardens in England.

"By restoring the monumental fountain, whose main jet reaches up to 90ft, and gardens, we offer visitors the chance to enjoy the site in its former glory."

The restoration was made possible by a £727,500 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The 19th Century garden designer WA Nesfield planned the gardens, and their renovation - including replanting original topiary and recarving stone steps - is on-going.

Witley Court is on the A443, 10 miles north-west of Worcester.

It is open from 10am until 6pm today, and from 10am until 5pm throughout October.

Entry costs £4.60 for an adult and concessions do apply.