A POPULAR countryside site is to be transformed with a £200,000 investment project.

The cash will be used to improve parking and access at Guisborough Forest and Walkway.

The scheme is being co-ordinated by the Redcar and Cleveland Council and funded through the Rural Development Programme for England.

Council Leader councillor George Dunning, whose portfolio covers rural affairs, said: "We are absolutely delighted with the funding package which will bring marvellous improvements to what is already an extremely popular and well-used resource."

The largest part of the programme will spend £150,000 to provide better car parking facilities and improvements to the leisure route between the Visitors Centre and Guisborough town centre, featuring information boards, new signposting and a better surface.

One of the most innovative features of the work, which should be completed by the end of next month, will be the integration of a former Wensleydale Railway carriage to become a classroom and meeting room.

Coun Dunning added: "We're looking forward to it becoming a much needed extra room for staff at the Visitor Centre during the many school visits to the site and for all the well-attended events that take place throughout the year and also as a meeting room."

The Walkway is also celebrating being one of the Borough's new Playbuilder sites, with a range of adventurous play equipment.