A WILDLIFE sanctuary in Teesdale will officially open a new £50,000 education centre and wildlife trail this weekend.

The Ark on the Edge, at Wooley Hill Farm, near Woodland, will hold a fun day on Saturday to mark the opening.

A cow barn has been transformed into a centre for groups to use and a mile-long nature trail has been developed to take visitors past a wildlife pond and a disused quarry. Retired vet and author Neville Turner will open the centre at 11am. There will also be a nature trail, balloon race, raffle and refreshments.

Representatives from the Northern Red Kites, Durham Wildlife Trust and Raby Estate's gamekeepers will be at the event, which runs from 10.30am until 4.30pm.

The sanctuary, which received a grant from the National Lottery, has more than 60 animals in its care.