Christopher Lee played the count in the 1970s

Whitby has long portrayed itself as the home of Bram Stoker's legendary vampire.

However, Aberdeen and Grampian Tourist Board say there is overwhelming evidence that 16th century Slain's Castle was the true inspiration for Stoker's blood-curdling tale.

It is claimed that Stoker visited the castle some time before he wrote his book in the 1890s.

His landing, in a boat during a severe storm, is supposed to have been the inspiration for Dracula's arrival in Britain.

The tourist board wants to use Dracula as a figurehead to launch its latest marketing campaign and has written to Yorkshire Tourist Board staking a claim.

However, tourist officials in Whitby insist the author's book clearly portrays the count in a Yorkshire fishing community.