HEYSHAM'S new state-of-the-art £1.2 million library has been officially opened.

Improved facilities include more public access computers, wi-fi internet access, drinks machine, public toilet and a meeting room, which has been designed to allow access when the library is closed as well as during opening hours.

Chairman of Lancashire County Council, Chris Holtom, opened the library on Friday.

He said: "Since it reopened, the number of people regularly borrowing items from the library has more than doubled to 2,577.

"The new flexible space and the meeting room facility has allowed the library to host many activities and events.

"There are regular art classes, poetry classes, writing groups, reading groups and scrabble clubs; along with computer, welfare rights and storytime sessions.

"The new space has also allowed the library to hold author visits, music recitals, workshops and to host visits from local schools."

The original library was demolished in September 2008 and the new library built on the same site.