Works begins on 'forest' hostel

Construction of a new £3.2m youth hostel powered by solar panels has started in the National Forest.

The hostel, located at Moira in Leicestershire, is due to be completed next summer and will attract 12,000 overnight visitors a year.

The project is funded by East Midlands Development Agency and the Camping and Caravanning Club.

A small apple orchard is being planted at the hostel which will eventually being used for environmental education.

The project is also supported by the Leicester Shire Economic Partnership, National Forest Company, Leicestershire County Council, North West Leicestershire District Council, Clear Skies and Waste Recycling Environmental Limited (Wren).

The site will also house a camping and caravan park in the centre of the forest that covers parts of Leicestershire and Derbyshire.