An education centre has been opened in a park often known as the jewel of a city neighbourhood.

The opening of Hayman Lodge marked the completion of a range of improvements made at Catton Park over the past few years.

The steel framed building, which cost a quarter of a million pounds, was today (Friday) opened by the Viscountess Knollys.

It will be used by the seven schools in the area and community groups to aid outdoor learning at the 70 acre Humphry Repton-created park.

Ken Leggett, trustee of Catton Park Trust Limited, said: 'It's a tremendous advantage for the local area. The park is a great jewel in this area.

'When we started this project, we had this dream of this wonderful green space for quiet recreation for all ages. This latter stage, this building, is helping us to realise this final goal.

'It will be used for the enjoyment and understanding of the environment of the park.'

The building was funded by the The Greater Norwich Development Partnership with support from Norfolk County Council, Broadland District Council and The Catton Park Trust.

It is home to a classroom, store room, toilets, a kitchen area and an office for the park warden. It is named after David Hayman, a former trustee who project managed and coordinated the building of the centre.