MORE than 70,000 people visited the Arrow Valley Countryside Centre last year, it has been revealed, writes Matt Smith.

The news comes just a week after the £1 million complex celebrated its first year in business. But centre manager Steve Sullivan hopes to increase this number in the coming years.

He said: "We are set to exceed 70,000 this year with new events taking place.

"Youth Afloat is a charity promoting watersports for young people which is set to begin about the middle of May.

"They're taking over the whole basement floor and there are lots of watersports on offer, including canoeing and windsurfing."

But the activities are restricted so townsfolk will have to book in advance before heading out onto the water.

In the last year, the centre has experienced a country fair in July which included craft stalls relating to conservation. It is hoped that event will be supported just as well this year.

Mr Sullivan added that Christmas and Easter had seen the centre fully booked with youngsters enjoying a range of activities.

The conference facility in the centre is already up and running for Redditch businesses and an IT suite has recently been developed.

Mr Sullivan, who has been manager of the centre for more than two years, added: "It has been enjoyable but it has also been challenging for me.

"There's still a lot of work to do and there have been a few teething problems along the way - but all new ventures have them."