THE success of The Lego Movie helped boost profits for Poole-based tourist attraction operator Merlin Entertainments.

The company said the hit film, released early last year, helped drive visitors to its Lego-themed attractions, including six Legoland parks around the world.

Merlin Entertainments, headquartered at Market Close, runs more than 100 attractions, 11 hotels and three holiday villages, in 23 countries.

Its famous brand names include Madame Tussauds, Blackpool Tower, Sea Life, The Dungeons, Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures and the London Eye.

Its profit before tax was up 34.6 per cent to £249million in 2014, while underlying profit was up 11.1 per cent to £179million. Visitor numbers rose 4.9 per cent to £62.8million.

Nick Varney, chief executive of Merlin Entertainments, said: “2014 has been another good year for Merlin, wowing over 60 million visitors in 23 countries worldwide, while growing revenues by 9.6 per cent and underlying EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) by 11 per cent on a constant currency basis.

“The stand out performance came from the Legoland Parks Operating Group, with like for like revenue growth at over 13 per cent.

“However, the year hasn’t been without its challenges and the strong overall group result is a function of the diversified portfolio which our strategy has successfully created.”

Merlin is the largest visitor attraction operator in Europe and the second largest in the world.

It introduced new rides, shows or features at each of its attractions in 2014.

Among its plans for 2015 are a Star Wars attraction at Madame Tussauds and the company says it has consolidated its relationships with the BBC, DreamWorks Animation and the Disney-owned Star Wars producer Lucasfilm.

The business, which employs 26,000 people, said it expected 2015 to be a year of growth but “tempered by the tough comparatives” with its strong performance in 2014.

Mr Varney added: “Only in Merlin will you find a line up encompassing Emmet, Shrek, Horrible Histories, CBeebies and Darth Vader. With this in mind, we look forward to 2015 and beyond with confidence.”