A resurrected arts and education centre in Suffolk has received a fresh boost with the opening of a prestigious photographic exhibition.The 16th century Wingfield Barns, near Eye, officially reopened in April after Mid Suffolk Council bought the site from the Arts Council for a �1.

A resurrected arts and education centre in Suffolk has received a fresh boost with the opening of a prestigious photographic exhibition.

The 16th century Wingfield Barns, near Eye, officially reopened in April after Mid Suffolk Council bought the site from the Arts Council for a �1.

Officials spoke of their delight following the opening of the new international print exhibition from the Royal Photographic Society at the weekend.

The historic society, which was formed over 150 years ago, will display 121 images on the walls of the two galleries at Wingfield Barns for the next month.

Derrick Haley, Mid Suffolk District Councillor and chairman of the Wingfield Arts Complex, said the district could be 'extremely proud' of the achievements of the venue and he hoped the barns could host more internationally renowned exhibits in the future.

The listed barns were converted in the 1990s into an arts centre at a cost of �1.4m. But funding difficulties led to its closure in 2005 when the property was offered for sale on the open market.

Barry Senior, president of the Royal Photographic Society, who opened the exhibition last week , added: 'It is a wonderful venue. We are delighted it is in this part of the world. It is an area we have aspired to get to.'

The exhibition opens from 11am to 4pm from Tuesday to Friday and on Sundays until August 30. Tickets are �5 or �4 if booked in advance. For more information, contact 01379 384505 or visit www.wingfieldbarns.com.