AN ancient castle and a national park visitor's centre are in line for a £900,000 revamp.

The Moors Centre, at Danby, a one-time shooting lodge and part of the Dawnay Estate, is to get a riverside trail and themed play area for children with interactive sculptures.

Mike Pratt, the park's head of information services, said an exhibition area is to be created inside the centre and the tea room refurbished, while an adjoining cottage will be converted into a training and workshop suite.

Other parts of the project include refurbishing the ruins of nearby Danby Castle, at a cost of £100,000, and spending £10,000 renovating the medieval Duck Bridge.

A historic farms initiative is also planned, costing £50,000, and a footpath will be built linking the beauty spot of Danby with the centre.

Crow Wood, close to the centre, is to be made more attractive to walkers and children, with seats, a story and interpretation area, a walkway for disabled people, and a bridge and arch added. A covered picnic area is also planned.

Another part of the scheme will be to develop the walled garden of the centre.

Mr Pratt said there was a need to improve the whole experience for visitors by providing exciting displays and activities.

Funding is to be sought from the European Union's regional scheme, Objective 2, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Yorkshire Forward the regional development agency, as well as the National Park Authority.