BANNATYNE Fitness is creating 25 jobs with the opening of its latest health club in the North-East.

The firm, founded by Darlington businessman Duncan Bannatyne, which is now the UK's largest independent health club operator, yesterday unveiled its development at Chester-le-Street, County Durham.

Costing £3m, the club, built on the site of Durham County Cricket Club's Riverside ground, has already attracted 1,000 members and is expected to triple that figure.

Facilities include a 20-metre swimming pool, steam sauna and spa area and two large studios as well as a caf/bar.

Nigel Armstrong, operations director at Bannatyne Fitness, said: "I am delighted with our new facility at Chester-le-Street.

"The club is a striking development with views stretching over the cricket ground and up to Lumley Castle. Bannatyne Fitness has really broken the mould this time in terms of the club's design and unique, state-of-the-art facilities."