A £1.5million extension to Burnley's Towneley Hall has attracted more than 30,000 extra visitors in the 12 months since its completion.

In August 2002, former Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire Sir Simon Towneley officially opened the new wing of the town's 12th century art gallery and museum -- the first major change to the building since 1928.

And a year on, it is pulling in 120,000 visitors, up from 90,000 the previous year.

The hall was given the new lease of life thanks to a £1.1million Heritage Lottery Fund grant as well as money from a bequest and the Lancashire Tourism Partnership..

The new wing was built on to the council-owned Grade I listed country house on the site of a demolished service wing.

Rooms which were used as offices for years were opened to the public and new displays put on throughout the hall, including interactive computer exhibitions and new education services.

A conference and events office at the hall, which is also in its first year, has put on numerous events at the venue, and recently hosted its first wedding ceremony.

Some features of the wing proved controversial when it was rebuilt, for example it was connected to the hall by a modern looking glass panelled corridor and the stone used in its construction contrasted with the weathered look of the hall's facade.

People were also unhappy that the windows on the extension were different from those on the hall.

However, despite some negative comments, the visitors' book that has been open over the last 12 months is full of praise for the section and the new facilities it provides.