Blackpool Council has revealed that a "record" 13 million people visited the resort in 2010 - up three million since 2008.

It is now thought that Blackpool's tourism industry generates £1bn for the town's economy, while supporting more than 20,000 jobs.

Maxine Callow, the council's cabinet member for tourism and regeneration, said: "Over the last few years everyone has seen Blackpool grow in to a really great place to visit.

"With Madame Tussauds and Nickelodeon Land at the Pleasure Beach opening in time for the main holiday season things are getting even better."

A new Madame Tussauds-branded attraction is due to open in Blackpool on 21 April, while the Blackpool Dungeon and the Tower Top experience will open in September.

It comes as a consultation into Blackpool Council and Merlin Entertainments' plans for the historic Blackpool Tower have met with approval from local residents.

A consultation found that around two-thirds of participants believed the two-phase overhaul would be good for the town, including a 4D cinema and a new observation deck.