THE Moors Centre at Danby, a one-time shooting lodge in the heart of the North York Moors National Park, is to be revamped.

The park authority's information and education working group has backed proposals to give the visitor centre a new look.

Mike Pratt, head of information, said that since the removal of the play area the centre had become less attractive to families.

"The potential exists to redevelop the centre as a visitor attraction, to extend facilities and re-design the exhibition area to provide a long stay and partly all-weather indoor attraction," said Mr Pratt.

He said that well-designed outdoor shelters incorporated into play areas and seating could be installed to increase this capacity.

Latest figures show that it cost £96,000 a year to run the centre, said Mr Pratt.

The possibility of developing shuttle bus links between the centre and Danby railway station is also being investigated.

Mr Pratt said it was hoped the project could attract European funding because of its potential to create jobs.