A TOURIST information office is pulling in the crowds after moving into a library.

Discover Purbeck has seen an increase of visitors from 62,000 in 2011/12 to 100,500 in 2012/13 after it moved from Holy Trinity Church to Wareham Library in March last year.

The centre came out top in a recent survey which showed that a large majority of visitors were happy with the new premises, staff knowledge, information available and easy access.

Councillor Ali Patrick, local economy and social issues spokesman for Purbeck District Council, said: “We are delighted that the information centre’s move has been such a success. “Not only has moving to the new premises and working in partnership with the library saved the council money, the level access has opened up the service to many new visitors.

“The team were very positive about the move and we are extremely pleased that customers have given the service such encouraging feedback.”

The centre is located on the ground floor of the library and provides information about Purbeck to visitors and local people, including walking and cycling routes, local event publicity, theatre tickets, National Express tickets, an accommodation booking service and sales including books, maps, cards and gifts.

It is the first combined Tourist Information Centre and library project of its kind in Dorset.