CUDWORTH Library has undergone an eye-catching transformation after a funding injection.

The newly-reopened library has introduced a special reading area for youngsters - which looks nothing short of a fairytale.

The plush, colourful facilities were officially unveiled by the Mayor of Barnsley, Coun David Leech - who was also accompanied by the Mayoress Alison Leech.

The refurbishment comes as part of a £130,000 grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund - via the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

The initiative also aligns with the council’s ongoing commitment to connect communities around the borough.

The refurbishment has made high-quality learning resources available locally - eliminating the need for locals to travel far for their library needs.

Youngsters from local nursery, Mary’s Little Lambs Childcare, enjoyed the revived facilities - alongside getting stuck into the library’s new children’s books and even helping the Mayor out with ribbon-cutting duties.

Sir Steve Houghton, leader of Barnsley Council, said: “It’s a huge commitment from the council because we’ve completely refurbishing the library.

“It also shows our commitment to the library service, at a time when other councils have been cutting libraries - we’ve been investing in them, because they’re the heart of our communities.

“Cudworth is my village, it’s where I live.

“My grandkids have been coming to the library for toddler and parents’ group activities, so it’s real for me.

“It’s not just a building, it’s part of who we are and what we do.”