WELLAND residents gathered for the opening of their new library last Saturday.

Based at the parish hall, it was opened by local author Pamela Hurle in a ceremony attended by district council leader Tom Wells and the chairman of Worcestershire County Council, Dr George Lord.

District and parish councillor Stephen Try said the library was excellent news for the village. Residents can choose from more than 1,000 books and free access to the internet is also available.

The project is the first of its type in the county and is the result of a partnership between Welland Parish Council, Worcestershire County Council and Vital Villages.