EAST Marsh bookworms have been turning pages in their droves following the construction of a state-of-the-art library in Grimsby's Grant Thorold Park.

The new building, which cost £900,000, was officially opened over the weekend much to the delight of council bosses, who revealed that close to 12,000 residents have already visited the impressive facility.

One of the main factors behind the huge surge in interest is believed to be the eye-catching 'living wall' – the first of its kind to be created in the UK outside of London, as reported.

Joan Sargent, principal librarian at Grimsby Central Library, said: "We are delighted to be able to officially open the library; it has been a long time coming and we are extremely proud of this wonderful new facility.

"People have been coming along to visit for the past month and it has been so popular that we have noted a 72.5 per cent increase in visitors in the same month last year, which is fantastic."

Councillor Leanor Pidgen, portfolio holder for culture, leisure and tourism officially opens the new Grant Thorold library with principal librarian Joan Sargent, right.

Councillor Steve Beasant, Jade William, Councillor Leanor Pidgen, Lauren Gordon and Austin Mitchell MP, attend the opening of Grant Thorold library.

Shane Horsfall, 6, having fun.

Jake Buffam, 5, reads a book with his grandad Steve Parker.

Read more in today's Grimsby Telegraph.