THE chief executive of development agency Yorkshire Forward has told how he hopes a new development will become a thriving business community.

Martin Havenhand was speaking at the official opening of the £1.5m Innovate Centre, in Colburn, near Catterick,on Friday.

It includes 16 managed workspace units and was funded by Richmondshire District Council, Yorkshire Forward and the European Union.

Mr Havenhand said he would like the centre to become a place where ideas, knowledge and innovation shine for the benefit of the community.

Also at the opening was MEP Timothy Kirkhope.

He said: "I am delighted to be able to highlight the important European dimension to Innovate's opening as one of the region's MEPs.

"The European Union is investing more than £1bn here in Yorkshire and the Humber to create and support business, to regenerate communities and to provide many jobs."

Mr Havenhand, Mr Kirkhope and district council chairman Campbell Dawson unveiled a commemorative plaque.