More join gym after £1.1m revamp

The new Profiles Health and Fitness suite at the town's Abbey Leisure Centre boasts state-of-the-art gym equipment, new refreshment areas and health facilities following renovations costing 1.1m.

The centre has attracted 1,321 new members since it opened in September, and senior councillors have heralded a decision to appoint an independent organisation, WLCT, to run the venue as key to the success.

The chairwoman of Selby District Council's Social Board, Coun Gillian Ivey, claimed the deal with WLCT was bringing significant benefits for the community while also delivering "valuable long-term savings".

Selby District Council confirmed earlier this month that more of its services could be contracted out as the authority attempts to cope with reduced budgets in the wake of the Government's spending cuts.

The council is battling to cut 3m during the next four years from its annual 11m revenue budget as it faces the biggest shake-up in its 36-year history.