LEISURE chiefs have stepped in to ensure the opening of Colburn's new sports centre next monday.

Richmondshire District Council agreed to help after the Colburn Community Partnership failed to find a suitably qualified manager.

As a result, the authority has promised to lend one of its own staff.

Chairman of the council's community committee, Councillor Richard Dunn, said: "We are delighted to be able to help the Colburn Community Partnership in what is going to be a new and exciting project."

Partnership secretary Kay Lerigo added: "This is an excellent example of real partnership and skills sharing. We have the expertise in community enterprise and community involvement and Richmondshire District Council's leisure services have expertise in management."