A £1.2M facelift of a national park tourist attraction is complete.

The North York Moors National Park has finished its scheme to develop Danby Visitor Centre.

The former shooting lodge, near Goathland, has been a major tourist attraction for more than 30 years.

The site has been revamped with internal and external features added.

The scheme was boosted by funds from groups such as the Heritage Lottery, development agency Yorkshire Forward and Yorventure.

Julie Lawrence, the park's director of information, education and visitor services, said: "We now have a reinvigorated centre offering a 21st Century visitor experience which I am sure is going to be a real hit with both visitors and local residents.

"Not only does it provide an excellent and informative place to start exploring the North York Moors, but it will also give a boost to businesses in the area by promoting locally produced goods and services."

An exhibition area named Inspired By... has been created, dedicated to local arts and crafts.

There is also a children's climbing wall and soft-play area, a riverside trail along the River Esk and a natural trail through Crow Wood to follow.

Talking posts and historical lifesize model figures are dotted around the site, providing information.

Alison Biddulph, deputy regional director for Europe at the Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "This attraction will help to put North Yorkshire firmly on the tourist map."

The work has also safeguarded the jobs of staff members and created six posts.