A PUBLIC library in the North-East has been refurbished with a £2.5m revamp.

The new look Gateshead Central Library, now with one of the country’s largest children’s library and a host of other new facilities, was unveiled by Mayor of Gateshead Councillor Michael Hood.

He was given a helping hand by kids’ favourite The Gruffalo to welcome the first set of young borrowers.

Gateshead Council’s cabinet member for culture Cllr Linda Green said: "There’s no doubt that this redevelopment has created a book lovers paradise but it’s also about infinitely more than the 75,000 books here.

"This library is providing an amazing resource for learning and information on almost everything from health to local history."

The original grand entrance dating back to the construction of the library in 1926 has also been restored and reopened.

Other innovations include a dedicated teen library kitted out with a Wii console as well as hundreds of books to excite and enthral teenagers from Manga to vampire chillers and action thrillers.

Gateshead children’s author Simon Bartram and schoolchildren have been instrumental in the library’s massive redesign.

Images from Simon’s books Man on the Moon and Bob’s Best Ever Friend were chosen by to adorn the walls of the new children’s library.

The transformed library, and its new extensions, opens to the public on Saturday January 29 with a day of special events from 10am-4pm.