PARALYMPIAN Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson  officially opened a revamped part of an historic North-East landmark over the weekend.

The gold medal winner was at Durham cathedral for the launch of the Undercroft Foyer and a new shop, which brings visitor amenities together in one location.

The steps into the area have been remodelled making space for a new platform lift so visitors who unable to manage steps will no longer have to find their way by leaving the Cloister and going the long way round.

Baroness Thompson said: “Making historic buildings such as Durham Cathedral accessible, in particular providing access for visitors with different needs to the shop, restaurant and toilets is important.

“I have experience as a Mum, with my own family, of not being able to easily access such important areas on visits to historic buildings.

“It is obvious that a huge amount of thought has gone into this development and it is an open, welcoming and absolutely stunning space.”

As well as cathedral merchandise, the shop continues to provide a theological and spiritual book resource for clergy, students, lay people, pilgrims and visitors.