STAFF celebrated the first anniversary of a rural heritage centre yesterday.

They drank a toast, in cups of tea, to the successful 12 months enjoyed by the Meet the Middletons centre at Middleton-in-Teesdale.

Numbers to the centre, which highlights the lead mining, farming and quarrying traditions of the upper dale, have been well up.

Committee member Maurice Tarn, who cut the birthday cake, said: "Everyone is delighted with the way it has gone in its first year and we're now hoping for even more success."

Exhibits include carvings by Richard Watson, the Teesdale Bard, and furniture maker Jacob Readshaw, as well as many relics from the lead mining era and details of local people and landmarks.