THE grounds of the historic Gisborough Priory will be open seven days a week throughout the summer.

It is hoped the move will improve visitor numbers to Guisborough, which was once the capital of Cleveland.

Figures show the number of people visiting the Tourist Information Centre, which is in the Priory, fell from 16,000 in 1994 to 6,500.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has blamed the downturn on the location of the Priory and is considering moving the Tourist Information Centre to a town centre position.

Dave Fitzpatrick, lead councillor for tourism, said: "We are delighted to be in a position to make the grounds accessible on a regular basis right through until September. There have been concerns raised that the grounds and the Tourism Centre were not open on occasions but we are addressing those issues."