THE refurbishment of a Darlington leisure centre has proved a big success, according to council bosses.

The borough council recently invested £70,000 in improvements to the Eastbourne Sports Complex and the new-look facility was re-opened by MP Alan Milburn.

Figures show that the refurbishment was popular with gym users, with more than 500 people using the facilities in the first ten days.

A range of fitness equipment was installed - including four treadmills, three exercise bikes, rowing machines and weights - and the centre's reception area revamped.

Councillor Lee Vasey, the council's cabinet member for leisure, said: "It is a superb new community facility for people of all ages and abilities.

"It has been great to see such a positive response to the improvements we have made to the facilities at the gym."