THE first phase of an extensive programme of improvements to sport and recreation facilities in Darlington is to begin.

Officials at the borough council drew up a wide-ranging five-year plan to enhance services after being criticised by an independent report last year.

Councillors have given approval for work to start on the first part of the project - a refurbishment of the Dolphin Centre's reception and public area.

About £50,000 will be invested in improving the leisure centre, providing new information boards, carpets and other facilities.

A council spokesman said: "We get 1.2 million visitors a year to the Dolphin Centre, so it is important that the facilities we have got can cater for that.

"We put great emphasis on customer care and this work will be an integral part of continually improving that.

"Our leisure services department won a Charter Mark award from the Government and we want to maintain those high standards."

The award was for the Dolphin Centre, Stressholme Golf Centre, the Eastbourne Sports Complex, outdoor events, school facilities management and maintenance of parks and open spaces.

But an Audit Commission report last year criticised the local authority, saying facilities in the borough were lacking and particularly criticising outdoor sports areas.

Inspectors urged the council to draw up a sports and recreation strategy in a bid to overcome weaknesses.

Although the Dolphin Centre was praised in the independent report, the £50,000 investment is seen as the first phase of implementing the new strategy.

Other projects include refurbishment of the Arts Centre, in Vane Terrace.

Funding is also being sought to help encourage people into careers in leisure and sports coaching, with particular focus on young unemployed people or parents returning to work.

The leisure and arts council team is also developing plans for a range of multi-use games areas across the borough.