Margate's Turner Contemporary gallery has contributed £14m to the Kent economy in the last year and is already the third biggest attraction in the county.

That is according to its bosses, as they celebrate the first 12 months after it opened.

So far around half a million visitors have walked through the doors, which compares with a forecast of 156,000.

Guests have even included royalty - with Her Majesty the Queen and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh visiting Margate and the gallery in November last year.

Victoria Pomery, the gallery's director, said: "I think that this day above all others encapsulated what we have achieved in our opening year.

"The visit of the Queen to Turner Contemporary generated widespread coverage across regional, national and international media, and Margate featured every bit as much as the gallery.

"This reflects much of the £7.6m of media coverage that the gallery has attracted to date, with Margate and the gallery featuring in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, The Australian as well as print and broadcast media across Europe."

She said there had been a "real, tangible change in the area of Margate around the gallery, with more than 35 new businesses opening in the Old Town and Lower High Street."

She added: "Shops have reported doubling of takings and estate agents a surge in people looking to buy property in the town.

"Research shows that the tourism income generated by Turner Contemporary visitors is supporting 79 jobs in the Kent economy alongside the 49 jobs in the gallery itself."

In the last 12 months more than 20,000 people had been inspired by the gallery's learning programme, with a further 35,000 visiting with their families.

She added: "It’s been a hugely exciting year for all at Turner Contemporary and for Margate. We anticipate that our second year will be just as phenomenal. Our programme is set to challenge, inspire and delight."