THE Mayor of Darlington took a stroll on a treadmill to mark the opening of a gym's £400,000 extension.

Councillor Ron Lewis opened the extension, which is expected to create jobs, at Bannatyne's Health Club, in Haughton Road.

It houses fitness equipment including individual exercise machines with plasma screens.

Club manager Paul Pearson said: "Everyone at the club is really excited about the new extension.

"This allows us to take in more members and introduce family memberships."

The extension was aimed at making Darlington the showcase for the Bannatyne Fitness empire, which has 32 clubs across the country.

Seven more clubs are due to open this year.