Backed by significantly increased home gates and away followings, the team is doing better than most experts predicted, enjoying a steady mid-table start with some stunning Carling Cup victories adding to the club's national reputation.

And local hotels, guest houses, cafes, pubs and other leisure businesses are also feeling the benefit with increased takings on those difficult 'off season' weekends.

Morecambe is the only seaside resort with a team in League Two, leading to many visiting fans using their teams' games at Christie Park as a basis for a weekend break.

Jim Catterall, chairman of Morecambe Hotels and Tourism Association (MHTA), said his members had noticed a real impact with new guests from such places as Hereford, Milton Keynes and Stockport.

Even more are booked in this weekend for the visit of Bradford City who have sold their entire allocation of 1,200 tickets for Friday night's game at Christie Park in what could be the biggest gate there this season.

Many have booked into hotels with more taking space at the resort's caravan parks.

Mr Catterall told The Visitor: "Morecambe are new to the league so naturally away fans want to see a new ground.

"Our experience for the first few home matches has been that mum's saying 'if you're going to the seaside, so am I, and we'll make a short break of it'.

"One couple I had stayed for five nights. For every £1 spent in the hotel another £1 will be spent in or around Morecambe.

"One of our members has reported 36 bednights and 20 dinners and good bar takings from away supporters to date.

"Other reports I've had mention good income from the Stockport game and one hotel with 14 guests from the Hereford match.

"These are just some of the figures from MHTA accommodation providers. I am sure there are others who stayed in hotels outside the association.

"Many hotels are also reporting good advance bookings for coming matches.

"All the hoteliers say they have enjoyed having the fans stay with them and comments from visiting fans are very positive. One of my customers said 'this is our first taste of Morecambe, we've enjoyed it, we'll be back and not just for the football'.

"It goes to show that if the resort has an event that attracts people to stay they will, for the most part, like what they see and return.

"It also goes to show what a great asset Morecambe FC is to the town."