THE first visitors began flocking to the East Coast's new multi-million pound visitor centre following its opening by the Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope..

Architecturally innovative, the centre has been built in the shell of the 17th century mansion Cholmley's House, which nestles in the shadow of the ruins of Whitby Abbey.

English Heritage said the completion of the £5.7 million Whitby Abbey Headland Project would give greater public access to the natural beauty, historic character and archaeological richness of the area.

The Archbishop was greeted at the opening by costumed interpreters representing Sir Hugh Cholmley II, who built the house in the late 17th century, and legendary Victorian photographer Frank Meadow Sutcliffe, whose views of the Abbey are world famous.

Dr Hope said: "This is a marvellous attraction, not only for Whitby, but for the whole of North Yorkshire.

"It's particularly poignant that the opening falls on the Easter weekend when we remember St Hilda - the patron saint of Whitby. It's a great thing for her.

"It was a great honour for me to be asked to open the centre - all the preparations were executed perfectly."

The new visitor centre has ingeniously been "dropped" discreetly behind the fine classical facade of the mansion house.

Updated: 11:04 Monday, April 01, 2002