A 19th century colliery is to open to tourists early this year in Ashlington, Northumberland, UK.

Closed since 1986, contractor Bovis Lend Lease began a £15.5m refurbishment programme at the Woodhorn Colliery site in 2004, part-funded by a £10m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The extensive restoration of the colliery includes a huge roof built to resemble the jaws of a coal-cutting machine and has also seen the transformation of the existing museum into a cultural centre in celebration of the county’s industrial heritage.

Ashlington Colliery closed in the late 1980s after 92 years in service and was converted into a museum which first opened in 1989. The new Experience Northumberland at Woodhorn scheme is expected to attract 75,000 visitors a year. Details: www.wansbeck.gov.uk