A LIBRARY will reopen today after undergoing its first major refurbishment since the 1970s.

Cockerton Library, in Darlington, had been closed since the end of November for work on a new heating system, lighting, electrics and flooring.

But the doors of the facility, which has been redesigned and redecorated inside, will open again at 9am.

There is a new issue desk, shelving and seating and a wider selection of books.

It is hoped the library will attract members, as well as retaining loyal borrowers and established visitors such as the Monday evening reading group.

Darlington Mayor Stella Robson will visit the library this morning, as part of the celebrations of its reopening.

Refreshments will be served and there will be a storytelling session at 2pm, followed by an arts and crafts sessions for pre-school children.

Lee Vasey, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for leisure services, said: "Cockerton library has always been popular and I hope many more people will now visit it to see how it has been transformed.

"There are lots of new books for people to borrow and I hope they enjoy browsing in the new, modern surroundings."