A MARINA which has developed into one of the busiest in the country is celebrating its tenth anniversary.

Work to build Hartlepool marina was started by the Teesside Development Corporation in 1981, but in 1997 it was taken over by the Mandale Group.

It has now developed into a busy site with people visiting the town from all over the country.

Glenys Thompson, assistant marina manager, said: "It's a very proud time for us. Occasionally in the past, the site became unbearable due to the sheer amount of construction taking place, but now the work is completed and the site looks fantastic. The ugly duckling has turned into a swan."

Last year, 200 extra large berths were added bringing the total to 500 and a new activity centre was added to offer a variety of training and fun sessions in sailing, canoeing and windsurfung.

The marina has its own newsletter, Marina Mates, which works as an unofficial club to bring people who use the marina together.

Since the marina opened, the boatyard has moved three times and in 1988 it was taken to its present waterfront location.

The yard includes a 300-ton boat hoist, which is the largest in Northern Europe.