A VENUE established only eight years ago is now generating millions of pounds a year for the local community, a report has revealed.

The Yorkshire Event Centre was set up at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate in 1996, but now plays a key role in the area's economic well-being, according to the Yorkshire Tourist Board.

Its report shows it contributes between £30m and £37m annually to the local economy and attracts more than a million visitors a year.

It also supports the equivalent of between 581 and 712 full-time jobs, of which most are locally based.

Managing director Heather Parry said: "Since its formation, the Yorkshire Event Centre has gone from strength to strength, attracting prestigious international events as well as providing a venue for local businesses and family functions. We source as much of our requirements as locally as possible and are continually adding to our customer list.

"The figures show the importance of the Yorkshire Event Centre - our success is good news for Harrogate and for the region."

In addition, spending by visitors away from the Yorkshire Event Centre provides additional income for the area.

The report says that visitors are also likely to spend on accommodation, entertainment including tourist attractions, eating and drinking, buying goods and souvenirs as well as travel.

The centre has two purpose-built venues - Pavilions of Harrogate, which attracts events such as weddings, conferences, car launches and parties, and the event halls, which are the setting for events as diverse as the Yorkshire International Business Convention and the Harrogate Spring and Autumn Flower Shows.