Sightings of black beasts spur tourism

Sightings of mysterious black beasts in Worcestershire are giving the tourism industry a boost, says a marketing group. Owners of bed-and-breakfasts, pubs and hotels say people are trailing the 'big cats'.

Now tourism chiefs are considering developing activities for people wanting to investigate the beasts including special trails and a website. Officials are considering sending a delegation to Loch Ness to find out about exploiting sightings.

Last month two men reported a panther-like creature in undergrowth on the outskirts of Worcester.

Previous sightings were in Chaddesley Corbett, Ombersley, Bewdley and Inberrow areas. The county is one of the UK's top hot spots for mystery sightings. In 2006, a survey, compiled by the British Big Cats Society, listed nearly 50 sightings in the area in a single year.

Beasts are said to be jet black, at least four feet in length, with flashing eyes and long tails. It was suggested they may be big feral cats or a family of panthers.