RENOVATION work at a countryside centre is complete and visitors yesterday had the opportunity to have a look around and find out what it has to offer.

Visitors to the Lingfield Farm Countryside Centre, Coulby Newham, were invited to take part in orienteering, storytelling, candle-making and face-painting.

There was also a display of bats and lots of other creatures and a talk on them by Ian Bond and Mike Mann, as well as a chance to see the "world's most dangerous spider".

Anne Gladwin, access project officer for Middlesbrough Borough Council, said: "The newly-revitalised centre is set to become a focus of countryside activities in the area. We are pleased people came along to the opening.

"We would also like to hear what people would like to see happening at the centre."

The renovation work at Lingfield Farm has been co-ordinated by Middlesbrough council, with funding from the European Community, the Countryside Agency and Middlesbrough council