THE county library in the centre of Harrogate could be in pole position to become an archive centre for North Yorkshire.

A number of options are being considered by the county council, but the Harrogate plan has won significant support.

If the project goes ahead, the Harrogate library would be extended to include a caf and cyber centre, with public access to the Internet.

Visitors would also be able to access public records listing details of births, marriages and deaths and aspects of local history.

"While a range of options are being considered, I was very pleased the proposals for the extension to the present library in Harrogate received strong support," said the county council's executive member for lifelong learning, Councillor Jim Clark.

"Further consultation will be taking place with users and non-users of the service but I hope they too will see what a marvellous opportunity this is for the county and for Harrogate in particular."