Consruction work has begun on the Wentworth Bowl project at Wentworth Leisure Centre.

North Country Leisure, the trust which operates the site, signed contracts with Qubica AMF who will be installing the lanes and all bowling equipment and project manager Creatability.

Building work, which is expected to last four months, will see the construction of an eight lane ten pin bowling alley, a new café and the refurbishment of the Jungle Jack's Adventure-themed soft play area.

Centre Manager Geoff Cant said: "It's exciting to be involved in something which is completely new to Hexham, especially so soon after the completion of the £10m extension to Wentworth in 2008.

“Not only will this be a great facility for attracting local users and tourists to the centre, it will also introduce some new jobs to the town, with posts being advertised from September."