A MINING centre reopens at the weekend after a £1m transformation.

New displays at the Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre trace the history of the lead industry which once dominated the North Pennine Hills of Upper Weardale and Cumbria.

They centre on the workings of the site's smelt mill and life in the village, as well as the processes involved in extracting lead and zinc.

A temporary exhibition space is devoted to the W H Auden Pennine Landscapes and Northern Writers, while Carrs Mine is open to visitors for guided tours.

New attractions include access to a 100m deep shaft and different types of waterwheel producing power.

Opening times are 10.30am to 5pm from tomorrow until October 31. The last mine trip starts at 3.30pm.