THE 3,000 carpet tiles covering the ground floor of Redcar's central library are being replaced and offered to community groups for free.

Library staff estimate that, with more than 5,000 visitors a week, more than seven million pairs of feet have walked on the tiles since they were laid 25 years ago. Now they are being replaced, but they could still be of use to community groups.

Field Floors, of East Middlesbrough Industrial Estate, began the job of replacing the tiles on Monday.

Voluntary groups are being offered the old carpet tiles free of charge.

The work is part of a £20,000 facelift organised by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council for the borough's biggest library, which will mean it is closed for two weeks.

As well as the new carpet tiles, the library will have a new floor area in front of the issue counter, new shelving in the junior library and a total of 43 computers, all funded by the People's Network.

Any group wanting the old carpet tiles is asked to contact Field Floors on (01642) 240621.

They must be prepared to collect them from the library.