The Poldark Factor has seen a tourism boost in Devon of more than 100 per cent.

Searches for romantic breaks in the county are up by 129 per cent year on year, and travel websites have said it is down to the success of BBC drama Poldark.

Meanwhile, the same figure is up by 155 per cent in neighbouring Cornwall.

"We believe that the increase in searches for romantic breaks is driven by the 'Poldark Factor'," says Matt Fletcher, Marketing Manager for stayindevon.co.uk.

"Devon and Cornwall are well known to be stunningly romantic with celebrities like Dawn French choosing to get married here.

"However, the beautifully shot Poldark series has put it firmly on the map as the hottest place if you're looking for a holiday with romance this year.

"Devon and Cornwall are also fantastically easy to get to - especially from London - offer good value and a wide range of amazing places to stay and interesting things to do."

The British drama series was first broadcast on BBC One on March 8, last year, and stars Aidan Turner as Captain Ross Poldark and Eleanor Tomlinson as Demelza Poldark.

A second season has been commissioned by the BBC, and is expected to air in autumn.