THE Turner Prize has already pulled in almost half the total number of visitors the exhibition would expect to attract in London – in just one week.

By the end of today the Baltic gallery will have had more than 30,000 visitors through the doors to see the four shortlisted exhibits for this year’s prize.

Buoyed by half-term, more than 25,000 curious visitors headed to the gallery in the first five days alone.

The extraordinary visitor figures mean in just one week the Baltic has received half the total number of visitors who see the prize on average in London, after it opened last Friday. Art bosses say they have been amazed by the lengthy queues as families wait for a glimpse of the high-profile competition.

The record-breaking attendance has seen tourism bosses confirm they expect the region to enjoy the benefit of millions of pounds of extra income on the back of the exhibition.

Claire Byers, deputy director of the Baltic, said: “It’s been an extraordinary few days since the Turner Prize opened to the public with more than 25,000 people already visiting.

“We have been thrilled by the public response and despite the visitors having to queue the majority are very upbeat and equally thrilled to have the Turner Prize exhibition here in Gateshead.”