A NEW visitors centre in Sedbergh is proving a runaway success only days after re-opening its doors.

Farfield Mill Arts and Heritage centre was forced to temporary close for most of June while some additional completion work was carried out.

Since re-opening, more than 1,000 visitors have flocked to the centre.

Farfield, located a mile out of the village along the Hawes road, has 13 artists and craftspeople as tenants and is to hold regular exhibitions of work by local and visiting artists throughout the year.

Centre manager Chris Cooper said: "We are all pleased that the centre is proving so successful.

The interest in the local artists has been amazing, and Farfield Mill is drawing customers into the area at a much need time."

As well as being able to see artists at work, visitors to Farfield Mill are able to relax with refreshments in the caf and browse or buy in the craft shop once the building work is completed.

The opening exhibition, Under the Sea, is the work of several artists, with the main exhibits created by a group of blind and partially sighted Kendal College students.

The centre has studio workshop space for one more artist or craftsperson tenant.

There is also a working loom available for use by qualified weavers.

There are plans for the centre to add a cinema, dance and theatre facilities at a later date.