Organisers of Bradford's Life Force Centre today declared free admission over the Bank Holiday weekend helped bolster visitor numbers.

Bosses at the multi-faith Millennium attraction said the offer brought more people through the door - but refused to disclose the actual figures.

Based at Bradford Cathedral, the Lottery-funded National Millennium Faith Experience has had poor attendance figures since it was opened last month.

And many of those visiting the centre said the free admission was a decisive factor in their turning out.

The spokesman said the impact of the free entrance scheme would need to be considered. But she stressed the centre had always expected a low turn out in its early days.

She said: "We are very pleased with the number of visitors, it's what the place deserves. It's probably because we have been doing some positive marketing."

But not having to dig deep into the pocket seemed to be the most important factor for some visitors.

Nancy Ellis, from Undercliffe, said: "I don't think I would have come if I had had to pay the normal price, it's only because it's free that I came down with my family. But now I'm here it's great. I've brought my two daughters and their children and I'll be telling my over 60s club about it as well.

"It's well worth a visit, if only it was a bit cheaper. The price really adds up if you're bringing a whole family down."

Helen Sunderland, from Saltaire, visited with her daughter Hannah, eight. She said: "I only came down because it is free, but I'm glad I did.

"Hannah learns about the different religions in school so this is really helpful to her and I like to find out more about the different cultures.