A NEW computer system is being installed at four Hambleton leisure centres.

Receptionists at centres in Thirsk, Bedale, Northallerton and Stokesley are this week getting to grips with the new Leisure Management System that has replaced the ageing software.

The £25,000 system forms part of the district council's continued investment in information technology.

Adam Moseley, marketing and business development manager, said: "Because of the council's commitment to meet national Government targets and a willingness to invest, we are able to install a brand new system which will iron out many of the existing problems.

"It will make booking activities easier for customers and staff and help customers who use more than one centre."

In the past, transferring data between the centres has proved difficult. Producing reports and financial information has been even more complicated.

The new system will handle bookings for everything from badminton courts to children's holiday activities.

Mr Moseley said he hoped the installation of the system tomorrow and Thursday would cause minimal disruption but asked customers to 'bear with staff' through any teething problems.