A NEW leisure centre has been officially opened.

Crook has been without a leisure centre since 2011 when Durham County Council closed Glenholme Leisure Centre, despite 4,000 people signing a petition to save it.

In 2013, Crook Community Leisure (CCL) was awarded £500,000 to create a new sports facility, and four years of planning and hard work later the dream has become a reality with the new centre at Peases West.

On Friday, former long-standing MP for North West Durham and Durham County Councillor for Crook, Baroness Hilary Armstrong of Hill Top, had the honour of officially declaring the facility open in front of several other dignitaries including the head of Durham County Council, Terry Collins and Labour MP Laura Pidcock.

CCL chairman John Winter said: "There were lots of people who have been involved in the project there and the weather was kind so I think it went well."

He added: "We are delighted with the building - everything is brand new so there's no comparison with the old facilities."

For more information visit crookleisurecentre.co.uk