Banbridge's new multi-million pound visitor attraction has scooped a top tourism award.

The recently built F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Studio, beat off stiff competition to win the ‘Northern Ireland Special Achievement Award’ at this year’s prestigious Travel and Tourism Awards.

The £2.2m facility has quickly become Banbridge District Council's flagship local arts infrastructure project since opening last year.

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The gallery, which boasts the Queen and Prince Philip amongst its past visitors, is dedicated to the life and work of the famous Banbridge-born sculptor Frederick Edward McWilliam.

In May this year, the gallery was recognised at the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors NI Awards when it won the ‘Community Benefit Award’.

In June, it won the ‘Exhibition/Cultural Award’ at the Royal Irish Architectural Awards.

On accepting the award, Council Tourist Officer John Douglas said: "We are delighted that our stunning new gallery is achieving the recognition that it so rightly deserves and that visitors are coming in their droves to see if it lives up to their expectations.

"The gallery has really boosted our area’s tourism potential and represents a great investment in our tourism product."

(PR/KMcA)