A NEW £121,000 visitor centre which aims to attract interest from across the world has finally opened its doors.

Pupils from Trawden County Primary School were the first through the doors of the newly-transformed Aisled Barn visitor centre in Wycoller Country Park.

County Coun Tim Ormrod, cabinet member for public protection and rural affairs, officially opened the barn.

The 16th century structure has been upgraded from a low-key visitor centre to an innovative flagship attraction.

A competition was held two years ago by the Royal Institute of British Architects on behalf of Lancashire County Council.

Designers were asked to provide plans of how they would transform the barn and the competition was won by Hakes Associates.

The new design includes an information centre, exhibition area, an auditorium for theatre or musical productions and improved access.

Coun Ormrod said: "All the old-fashioned animal stands in the barn have been removed and quite a futuristic set up has been installed.

"The aim is to make the Aisled Barn into a visitor centre that is very attractive and to allow it to be used for performing arts, meetings and conferences and the development of other opportunities."

Pupils from Trawden Primary School gave the first performance, with a monologue about the history of Wycoller.

This included two people dressed in period costume, while other youngsters demonstrated wool spinning and a harpist played.

Coun Ormrod said: "It brings the barn in to the 21st century and will surely attract people from all over the world. I think there will be a lot of interest."

The Aisled Barn is a Grade 2 listed building and the scheme was designed with conservation in mind, minimising the impact on the barn and harmonising with the surroundings.

The new design features a ramp which takes people on a journey through time as they move past illuminated display walls to access the information centre.

Openings within the display wall are carefully positioned to show particular details of the barn.