The Enchanted Forest, a Perthshire Big Tree Country event, has smashed all previous box office records, welcoming over 26,350 visitors during its 23 night run, picking up the Big Tree Country Community Award in the process.

 The event, which was founded in 2002 with the primary objective of extending the traditional tourism period, held in Pitlochry came to a close on Saturday after attracting a record breaking 26,350 visitors, up 31% from 20,000 visitors in 2010.

 Attending the Big Tree Country Awards on Sunday afternoon, the Highland Perthshire Area Community Interest Company, who is behind the management of the event, was delighted to hear it had also become the lucky recipient of the Big Tree Country Community Award for its work in spreading the impact of the event amongst local businesses and community projects.

 Eddie Thomson, chair of the Highland Perthshire Area Community Interest Company commented

"Winning the Big Tree Country Community Award is the icing on the cake for us, after such an amazing year. We're truly delighted that our efforts as a community interest company have been recognised by Perthshire Big Tree Country."

 "Such an unprecedented increase in ticket sales is also very good news for the local businesses in the area. 50% of Enchanted Forest customers stay overnight in the area, and a 31% increase in attendance translates into a very strong increase in the overall economic impact of the event, which is now estimated to be in the region of £1.5million benefit to the local economy" he continued.

 The Enchanted Forest has also been shortlisted for Event of the Year at this year's Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Business Star Awards.