The district's marine industry has defied the economic slowdown, according to new statistics.

Revenues in the Yorkshire and Humberside leisure marine industry increased in 2002, rising by 16 per cent.

The figures, published by the British Marine Federation, reveal growth in the period took revenues in the region to a record £27.9 million.

Richard Bradbum, owner of Silsden Boats, said his business grew by ten per cent in 2002. He purchased the business in 1995 with his wife, Barbara, and rents out canal barges to holidaymakers.

He said: "We did see quite a good rise over the year and had 250 bookings over our fleet of ten boats."

John Clarke, chief executive of the British Marine Federation, said: "The leisure marine industry has grown particularly fast in the region and is going from strength to strength. The rising revenues and strong export figures make it an important industry to the country as a whole. The high quality, design and innovation of the country's marine products are renowned the world over, enabling UK operators to achieve good results, even in adverse conditions."

Mr Clarke said he expected the industry would continue to perform well.

He added: "Leisure marine businesses know that in today's economic climate they can't rest on their laurels so they're working hard to remain competitive.

"Boating and marine-related activities are becoming more popular in terms of employment and pastimes. As more people realise how easy it is to get into boating and as many high-profile figures like Ellen MacArthur enjoy frequent successes, we can only presume the industry will continue to thrive."

The British Marine Federation is the trade body for the UK marine industry.