The lifeblood of a rich vein of horse racing history in the North-East has been returned following a multi-million pound restoration project.

Over the last 15 months Gibside Stables at the National Trust property near Rowlands Gill, Gateshead, has been restored to provide a unique learning, information and residential facility for the region.

The derelict stables, near the County Durham border, were built between 1747 and 1751.

Gibside property and project manager Tony Walton said: "The restoration work at the stables will enable visitors to gain an understanding and insight into the history of a working 18th century stable, while providing a friendly and adaptable space for community and education use." The stable block accommodates an interpretation room outlining the history, development and wildlife of the Gibside estate, as well as a facility for learning and volunteering with opportunities for school visits.

In September the stables will welcome a group of long-term volunteers from Spain, Germany, Liechtenstein and Lithuania, while working horses will become an integral part of the stables in coming years.

Carriage houses will also once again show the carriages in their proper setting.

Mr Walton said: "The guiding principle has been to reuse what was there, repair what we could and conserve the character of an 18th century building using existing materials or historically correct materials.

"The impression the visitor will have from the stable yard, is of a working stable of the period with the sight sound and even smell of horses."

Mr Walton added: "The stables are at the core of the history of Gibside, which was the creation of George Bowes.

"His grandson, John, was the most amazing racehorse owner and breeder of his time with nine Derby winners, three of which were stabled here."

They were trained by John Scott, known throughout the racing fraternity as the Wizard of the North.

These included the legendary West Australian, which also won the 1,000 Guineas and the St Leger - the first winner of the Triple Crown.

The Heritage Lottery Fund provided £1.5m, the National Trust £914,000 and English Heritage £150,000.

Lottery fund regional director Keith Bartlett said: "We are thrilled to see the restoration work at Gibside Stables complete so that the historic building can be enjoyed by the local community and visitors to the region."