Customers at the new centre were pleased with the facilities.

Dorothy Childs, aged 90, of Frome Bank Retirement Home, had found a large print history book and was reading it by the window.

"It's wonderful. So convenient being right here in the middle of town," she said.

"I will be coming back as I can manage to walk here every day."

Julia Bouston, of Green Lane, had brought Jack, six, and George, four, to look at the children's section of the library:

"I think it's wonderful, a great asset," she said. "There's a wonderful amount of new books and I hope more people make use of it. It's absolutely fantastic."

Elizabeth Manning, from Edwyn Ralph, was at the centre with Victoria, 15, and Richard, 13.

She said she thought including the tourist information centre in the building was a good idea.

Victoria said: "I think joining the library to the leisure centre is a clever idea as it will encourage people to come to the library."

Her brother Richard, who was about to log on to one of the new computers, said he thought the centre would be good for young people and of great help when he studied for his GCSEs.

"Bromyard doesn't have many facilities so I think these new facilities are really encouraging," he said.