A GROUP of craft workshops, designed to boost tourism and employment in a £600,000 development, has been officially opened.

Five workshops have been built in Silver Street, in Reeth, by Richmondshire District Council and have proved so popular that four are already occupied.

Richmond MP William Hague performed the opening ceremony at the development.

The site was already home to six units housing traditional craft industries, including an art gallery and a sculptor, before work started on the new units.

The new workshops were developed in conjunction with Philip Bastow, the land's original owner, and the project was awarded £240,000 from the European Regional Development Fund, £321,000 from Yorkshire Forward and £40,000 from Richmondshire District Council.

Abi Bromirskyj, the council's assistant economic development officer, said: "The idea is to create high-quality, sustainable jobs in the area and also to boost the local economy.

"The main function of the workshops is manufacturing, but they are also a tourist attraction and people can go in there and see them at work and have a chat."

Four units already taken are now open for business. Peter Cummings moved his furniture making business from Darlington, as have Jill and Lee Brewster, who lease a double unit where they make furniture and sculptures.

Emma Sedman, a jewellery designer from Leyburn, previously worked from home but decided to move in to one of the units.

She said: "These are my first official premises and I am absolutely delighted to be here. I used to work from my garage and study but demand for the jewellery has grown so much that I need more space."

Councillor John Blackie, leader of Richmondshire District Council, was instrumental in securing European funding for the project.

He said: "The new businesses and employment attracted to the workshops will have a huge impact on the local community and economies of Swaledale and Arkengarthdale."

Anyone interested in leasing the remaining unit should contact Abi Bromirskyj on (01748) 829100.