ROLLER-skating champion Julia Bailey declared open a rink at the weekend after it had a £190,000 makeover.

Work on the rink, next to the new visitor centre on the east side of Albert Park, Middlesbrough, was part of multi-million pound improvements being carried out to the park.

A synthetic surface has been fitted and a spectators gallery added. Other improvements include a public address system and changing facilities in the visitor centre.

Ms Bailey, runner-up in the British Roller Skating Championships, who lives and works in Middlesbrough, has used the rink in the park for more than 20 years.