Beamish Hall has appointed a site manager to oversee the development of its £1.5m Beamish Wild outdoor centre.

Alex Tocu, 27, will be responsible for operational management of the ropes activity course and birds of prey centre, based near Stanley, County Durham.

Mr Tocu has been involved with the ropes activity course as a project manager during its construction, and helped to implement the booking system and co-ordinate supplies in preparation for the opening.

In his new role as site manager, he will also supervise and manage the birds of prey feature, for which he will look after the marketing and group liaison.

Mr Tocu, who is from Romania and initially came to the region during a break from studying business in his homeland, said: “It is important for Beamish to keep growing.

“And with the success of new developments such as The Stables restaurant, it is essential that people continue to see both aspects of Beamish Wild as exciting and invigorating experiences.”

The appointment by the independent hotel follows £7m of investment into the hall by the Craggs family in the past five years, which has seen the hotel undergo a complete transformation.