Darlington'S newest health club is opening its doors ten days ahead of schedule.

The Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Dorothy Long, has visited Bannatyne Fitness and unveiled a plaque to mark the opening of the £3m development.

The Haughton Road club has already attracted 1,000 members and will be open to them from today.

Members are being asked to make a donation to Unicef in exchange for being given two weeks' free access to the facilities.

The club, which is Bannatyne's 12th, has a capacity for 3,000 members and includes a 20m pool and fully-equipped cardiovascular gymnasium.

There are also 60 different fitness classes, steam room, jacuzzi and sauna.

Mr Bannatyne said he was grateful to the design and construction company Balfour Beatty, who got the club ready for opening ahead of schedule.