THE UK's largest independent health club operator has invested a further £400,000 in its home town centre, making it the company's largest in the North-East.

Bannatyne Fitness has began extending its Darlington complex in Haughton Road, which will provide an additional 2,800sq ft, allowing the club to introduce new gym equipment.

The £3m club opened in April, 2001 and has capacity for about 3,200 members.

Facilities include a 20-metre swimming pool and a fully equipped cardiovascular gymnasium.

There are more than 50 different fitness classes, steam room, Jacuzzi and sauna.

Nigel Armstrong, operations director at Bannatyne Fitness, said: "We have established ourselves as one of the major health club operators in the North-East, but we are always looking to improve on the service we offer to our members."