A DEVELOPMENT company which is leading a £50m tourism and leisure project aimed at creating 700 jobs in Northumberland says its plans have been enthusiastically received by locals.

Last month Active Leisure unveiled its ambitious proposals to create the UK’s first Active Lifestyles Resort on 800 acres of restored opencast land near Widdrington, north of Morpeth.

The short break adventure park – which is planned to open in summer 2015 – will include a 50-acre lake; snow slopes, gorges and canyons; mountain bike trails; off-road vehicle courses and the UK’s biggest tree house adventure playground.

Outdoor attractions will include equestrian, fishing, skiing, water sports, high ropes courses, woodland adventure activities and 4x4 off roading, while indoor facilities include climbing walls, a fitness centre, water park and spa.

Plans for the resort also include accommodation in a four-star luxury holiday village, ranging from 100 camping pods to 400 eco-lodge holiday homes, some with integrated patios and hot tubs.

Now Active Leisure says its vision has been welcomed by local people and businesses at a two-day public exhibition in Hadston at the weekend, which was attended by more than 80 residents.

Entrepreneur Chris Davies, who has been working on the project for eight years with his sons Ben and Greg, was at the exhibition to answer people’s questions.