PLANS for a new sports and leisure centre in North Yorkshire have been given the go-ahead.

The £2.5m centre, which will serve Malton, Norton and the surrounding area, was given the green light by the county council’s planning committee.

And it is hoped building work on the project, to be created in the grounds of Malton School, will get underway as soon as possible.

Headteacher Rob Williams said the scheme would benefit not only students but thousands of people in the twin towns and surrounding area.

He said there had been long wrangles over the siting of the centre, but it was now "time to shake hands" and ensure building work started as soon possible.