A CAMPING barn converted from a former mine shop is hoping to attract people from across the country as Covid restrictions ease.

The Grade II-listed Barney Craig served as an essential facility for workers at the former Carrshield lead mine from the 1820s onwards.

But with the mining industry's decline during the 20th century, the building gradually fell into disuse.

In 2017, The Allendale Estate gifted the building to Allen Valleys Enterprises, and a phased refurbishment project got under way in 2018 to prevent further deterioration to the building, which had been placed on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register.

By the end of the year, a camping barn opened at the facility.

The ground floor of the building, a designated Scheduled Ancient Monument, is now used as a village hall and craft centre.

Paul Stafford, who oversees the camping barn, moved to the Allen Valleys around three years ago.

He said: "I've always been an outdoor person, and I thought it was a fantastic project to get involved in."

The dog-friendly camping barn has three rooms, sleeping four, six, and eight, that can be hired individually or collectively.

Each room comes with a clothes and boot drying facility and a multi-fuel stove.

There is also a shared toilets and cooking area.

Paul said while they have been restricted because of Covid, many people from across the UK - from families to people on their own - visited the camping barn after they re-opened in April last year.

"The majority of people are from the North East, but we've had people from London, Dewsbury... if people are coming up from that far away, we've obviously got some kind of appeal," said Paul.

There are a series of walking and running routes from the barn, while bridleways and small country lanes offer alternatives for those wishing to cycle.

Looking forward, Paul said he is hoping to work with other local businesses to promote the area and each other's offerings.