A FORMER prisoner of war camp is to become a visitor attraction after plans were approved to transform it into a museum.

Harperley PoW Camp near Wolsingham, in Weardale, County Durham, will now be turned into a Second World War museum.

Many of the camp's buildings fell into a state of disrepair after years of use as hen huts and farm storage.

But new owners James and Lisa McLeod have started restoring the camp back to its original state - as it was in 1943 when it housed low risk Italian and German prisoners.

Last night, Wear Valley District Council's development control committee granted planning permission for a scheme which will see the camp open to the public.

The plans include the creation of holiday accommodation in 13 of the huts and a bed and breakfast in a mock 1940s house.

The development will also include a play area, garden centre, nursery, tea room and a farm and souvenir shops.

A campsite, for 32 caravans and eight tents, will be created along with a car park with space for at least 200 cars and six coaches.

It is hoped that the transformation of the 17-acre site will help revive the area's economy and act as a centre for educational trips.

Since last January, the district has lost more than 800 jobs, including 147 at LaFarge UK's Eastgate cement works and 340 at clothing factory Saralee Courtaulds, near Bishop Auckland.

Delegates at a jobs summit in May identified tourism as a potential source of jobs and security for existing businesses.

Wear Valley District Council leader Olive Brown said last night: "It could be one of the best things that ever happened to Wear Valley.

"It is already a very impressive place and gives an impression of how beautiful the area really is.

"Mr and Mrs McLeod are to be congratulated on their work so far and commitment to the project which I hope will play a big part in the future of the district."

Councillor Dave Quinn, who represents Howden-le-Wear and Fir Tree, has a special reason he wants to see the site preserved.

He said: "My father Brendan 'Paddy' was a guard at Harperley camp so I think it is very important to remember its historic value and share that with visitors and local schools."

Mr McLeod said: "We've just got a couple of heritage surveys to complete then it is full steam ahead."