A £76,000 purpose-built mobile library has been bought to serve a Teesside town.

The vehicle carries about 2,500 books and took to Hartlepool's roads for the first time this week.

It replaces an 18-year-old one for which spare parts could no longer be found.

One of its first ports of call was Hart Primary School in Hart Village, where pupils tried out its facilities.

Councillor Robbie Payne, of Hartlepool Borough Council, was instrumental in securing the replacement vehicle. He said: "I think it will be a real asset to what is already a Rolls Royce of a library service in this town."

The vehicle is 27ft long and is fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act, having been fitted with a customer lift, while heating and lighting has been provided to make it warmer and safer.

A camera has also been fitted to give the driver a clearer view when reversing.

Libraries social inclusion officer Eileen Tourret said: "Our old E-registered library was 18 years old.

"The bodywork had started to corrode and spare parts were proving increasingly difficult to come by."

Further information about the mobile library's timetable or other vehicle-delivered library services in Hartlepool is available on (01429) 523614.