A FORMER cow byre and cricket pavilion in Ingleton has been reopened as a sports centre after a £40,000 refit.

Former Ingleton cricketer Jim Nattress opened the pavilion, which residents hope will encourage youngsters to take part in sport.

The opening coincided with Mr Nattress' retirement after 28 years on Ingleton Parish Council, and he was honoured with an engraved bench, which will be given pride of place in front of the pavilion.

The £40,000 project was funded by the Urban and Rural Renaissance fund, European Rural Development Fund and Awards for All.

All work was carried out by local contractors, to designs from an architect from the village.

Parish chairwoman Helen Plant said: "Tim Rounce, of Groundwork West Durham, and Ann Johnstone, of Teesdale District Council, did a magnificent job getting the funding - we could not have done it without them. The work has been carried out at no cost to the people of Ingleton.

"We're hoping youngsters in the Sunday football leagues will start using the pavilion, and we're also looking to get a quoits team back in the village after a long absence."