PLANS for a £300,000 youth centre will be unveiled to the public, during an event next month.

An open day will be held at the former Farmway depot, in Newgate, Barnard Castle, which will be converted into the town's first YMCA for 15 years.

Visitors will have the chance to look at a series of displays on the centre's future facilities, which will include a diner, information technology centre, healthy living centre and gym.

The building has already been bought by the YMCA, but funds are still being raised to convert it into the two-storey youth centre.

Bill Bartle, chairman of the Barnard Castle YMCA management committee, said: "We are still looking at ways of raising the money, through events and grants, but the open day will at least give people the chance to see what we plan to do with the site.

"We want as many people as possible to come along and give their views or ideas on the project, and we would love to be able to display any old anecdotes or photographs of when the original YMCA was in Barnard Castle."

The open day will be held on April 20, between 10am and 7pm.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the open day can contact Mr Bartle, on (01833) 695224, or Leah Burrage on 07867 881590.