THE National Trust has unveiled a new-look visitor centre following a £60,000 make-over.

The Coastal Centre at Ravenscar, has been revamped in a joint project with the North York Moors National Park, Yorkshire Forward and the EU.

New exhibitions and activities by design company Easytiger showcase the area's history.

Following the theme of the Exploited Land, it focuses on how Ravenscar came to be at the heart of Britain's 16th Century chemical industry following the discovery of alum in 1640.

It also explains why attempts to revive the town in the 1890s by transforming it into a new seaside resort failed.

National Trust property manager Mel Cunningham said: "Ravenscar has some fascinating stories attached to it, which the Coastal Centre now really brings to life.

"The new displays do a really good job of explaining the stories behind the intriguing remains of the alum works and brick works that are still just outside the town."

The centre opens tomorrow and will be open weekends and school holidays in April and May and then every day from June 1 to October 3, from 10.30am until 5.30pm.

Admission is free.

Published: 03/04/2004