The gates at the restored double walled garden

The garden at Llanarthne, Carmarthenshire, west Wales, ran into financial difficulties last year because of poor visitor numbers.

But it has been given the grant to complete the restoration of its double walled garden.

The first phase of the walled garden's restoration cost nearly �1.5m.

The attraction is battling to increase visitor numbers which dropped from a high of 220,000 in the year following its opening in May 2000, to 175,000 in 2002.

Boost for tourism

In 2002, Cornwall's Eden Project received two million visitors.

Evelyn Thurlby, chief operating officer at Middleton, said the completion of the garden would help boost visitor numbers.

"Since opening the first phase of the double walled garden in June of this year, the feedback from visitors has been universally positive," she said.

Middleton has seen a slump in visitor numbers

"Our double walled garden is the second jewel in our crown after the great glasshouse, and the money from the Millennium Commission will allow us to fully restore this important part of Middleton's heritage, and enhance visitors' enjoyment."

Prince Charles officially opened Middleton in May 2000 at the end of a three-year construction project.

Its giant glass greenhouse was designed by Sir Norman Foster.

Middleton also contains educational and research facilities.

Earlier this year, Middleton received �1m from the Welsh assembly to cover operating costs and help with a new marketing drive.