A Bridport venue was one of the most visited free attractions in the South West last year, according to VisitEngland.

The Annual Attractions Survey found that West Bay Discovery Centre welcomed an estimated 11,000 visitors in 2018 - after it opened in August of that year - which went up by 64 per cent to around 18,000 in 2019.

John West, of West Bay Discovery Centre, said: "We were delighted to be in the top 20 most visited attractions in the South West in 2019, according to Visit England's survey of attractions without an entry charge.

"Thanks to our amazing volunteers and manager, we have managed to open for four months this year despite the pandemic.

"We are already planning new pop-up exhibitions and events for next year.

"Thank you to everyone who has supported us by visiting, donating or sponsoring the centre."

When the discovery centre - in a converted Methodist chapel near East Beach - reopens in February 2021, the exhibitions will be 'Turning the Tide', which will focus on single-use plastic and its polluting effect on our beaches. This will tie in with the current campaign to achieve Plastic Free status for Bridport. The second exhibition will explore commercial fishing in West Bay from past to present.

VisitEngland's Annual Attractions Survey gathered information from 1,308 English attractions.

A number of Dorset's free attractions were also included in the most visited list; Poole Museum, Swanage Museum and Heritage Centre, Sherbourne Abbey and Swanage Railway Museum.

The most visited paid for attractions in the South West included Kingston Lacy Estate and Corfe Castle.

Sally Balcombe, VisitEngland chief executive, said: "From world-renowned museums, galleries, castles and historic houses to rural wildlife and outdoor experiences, England's outstanding range of visitor attractions are a crucial and valuable part of our tourism offer, boosting local economies right across the country.

"England's attractions continued to provide a rich and varied canvas to capture the imagination of domestic and international visitors.

"Millions of jobs and local economies rely on tourism and this annual survey is also a timely opportunity to highlight the dedication of visitor attractions across the country who have been working so hard to welcome visitors back safely, adapting and innovating to meet new ways of working and still providing a great experience."