The hatchery aims to set up an educational centre

Fewer tourists than expected have been visiting the Lobster Hatchery in Padstow which is the first of its kind in the UK.

There were serious concerns that it would have to close unless changes were made to increase its appeal.

Cornwall County Council has given it �38,000 and there are hopes another financial package will be approved to set up a marine educational centre.

The centre, which opened in 2002, needed to attract 50,000 visitors a year to break even it has only achieved half that number.

Hatchery manager Dylan Taylor, said: "We have had a reasonably good summer on visitors - better than last year - and with ongoing changes and improvements we aim to continue that trend."