A new report has outlined the economic importance of the heritage industry across England, which helps drive up visitor numbers and create new jobs.

Among the key findings of the ninth annual Heritage Counts study is that every £1 spent on the historic environment generates an additional £1.60 to local economies over a 10-year period.

The report also found that investment in historic visitor attractions generates an extra £1.70 for local economies over the course of a decade, while also helping to create employment in an area.

Evidence compiled by Locum Destination Consulting and AMION Consulting on behalf of English Heritage found that heritage also increases a town or city's popularity with visitors and businesses.

A comparison of two areas in Brighton - one historic, the other not - revealed that three times as many shop units in the historic area were occupied as its main high street shopping district.

Locum Consulting director David Geddes said: "[Brighton's] success in using its historic environments to nurture distinctive businesses and a "continental" atmosphere was probably the main reason that the city has become so popular."

GHK was also commissioned by English Heritage, along with the National Trust, to help compile Heritage Counts. It found that investment in 72 historic sites had resulted in additional spend in regional economies of £197m and the creation of 3,600 jobs.

English Heritage chair Baroness Andrews said: "These results show heritage is one of the biggest drivers of tourism in the UK, it helps to attract new businesses and residents to an area and contributes to economic growth locally and nationally.

"Investing in heritage is not a luxury. It makes sound economic sense. The heritage sector provides a life-line for the nation's past. Heritage is the very thing that makes England special in the eyes of the world and can help to underpin the economic recovery."