Almost 37,000 TT fans travel to Isle of Man for racing

Almost 37,000 motorcycle racing fans have travelled to the Isle of Man for the TT racing festival, according to Manx ferry figures.

The Steam Packet company statistics show the number of motorcycle bookings rose 7.5% from 11,200 in 2013 to 12,050 this year.

Passenger figures during the same period also rose from 35,000 to 36,800.

A ferry company spokesman said 2013 has been the "busiest year since the centenary celebrations in 2007".

The figures were taken from the period between 21 May and 6 June.

Over the TT period, race tourists will spend in the region of £26m on the island.