ONE of the region's oldest buildings has been reopened as a mini amphitheatre following a major renovation project.

The Dovecot, which stands in the grounds of Yarm School and dates from about 1220, has been returned to its former glory over the past year.

The Mayor of Stockton, Councillor Paul Baker, opened the building during a recent celebration of music and drama.

Headteacher David Dunn said the renovation had taken longer than expected, but it had all been worth it.

"We are really pleased with the way it looks, " he said. "We wanted to use as many of the original materials as we could.

"It was in a worse state than we had ever imagined, so it was a case of replacing one brick at a time, but it has all been worth it.

"Pupils are using it as a social area now."

The Dovecot, which is octagonal and brick built, with sandstone dressings and a pitched hipped pantiled roof, is the strongest link Yarm has with its history as a monastic settlement.