USERS of Northallerton's leisure centre had an early Christmas present when the new gym and toning suite opened – along with the improved swimming facilities.

The facilities have opened together with the new sauna and member changing areas as part of a £2.5m redevelopment scheme.

Phase three of the project - which will turn the old gym into two new indoor studios – will be completed at the end of January.

“This is a very exciting week for us – and the gym has been packed out ever since we opened the doors yesterday,” said cabinet member, Cllr Bridget Fortune.

“It endorsed our view that people want a high quality gym in this area. And the toning suite is a completely new facility for people wanting to benefit from more gentle exercise.”

The new gym is double the previous work out space with a range of new digital cardiovascular and resistance equipment.

The digital equipment connects an experience that allows users to track all of the activities that they do at the gym or outdoors. The new gym also includes a new functional training zone with a six person rig and an extended strength and conditioning area.

The swimming pool underwent extra work as part of the project – the poolside was resurfaced, maintenance work on the waterslide steps, poolside barriers and wave machine was carried out, as well as refurbishment to the poolside showers and improvements to the refreshment area.

The lion’s share of the cost is being borne by the council with £213,000 coming from National Lottery funding through Sport England.