A TOWN celebrated the opening of its new £600,000 gym with a renaming ceremony.

The gym and studio opened at the former Thirsk Swimming Pool, in North Yorkshire, at the end of last year, completing a major improvement programme for the centre.

From now on it will be known as Thirsk and Sowerby Leisure Centre.

A new studio, new changing rooms and other accommodation was created alongside the gym, which has the latest equipment. The old gym has been converted into a studio for activities, meetings and parties.

The project was made possible thanks to a £214,000 grant from Sport England while funding was also provided by the district council, North Yorkshire County Council and local developers.

Members of Hambleton District Council joined funding groups and representatives of the Thirsk and Sowerby Swimming Baths Charity, which owns the pool, at the opening.

“This centre is now a superb venue for young and older people to use to keep fit and healthy for generations to come,” said Hambleton District Council chairman John Smith.

“The improvements have been well received and have already seen an increase in users.”

Neville Huxtable, chairman of the Thirsk and Sowerby Swimming Baths Charity, said: “This gym is a fantastic facility for the town.”