HEALTH and fitness club operators in the North-East have come out fighting ahead of a major new arrival which will soon be flexing its pecs in the region.

Bannatyne's new £3m fitness centre, promising the latest facilities, is due to open in Haughton Road, Darlington, in the middle of May.

Businessman Duncan Bannatyne, who runs the UK's largest chain of independent health clubs, has said the complex will provide a "gold standard" for Darlington.

Rivals of the new club say they are fighting fit to meet the challenge.

Darlington Borough Council spokesman Steve Jones said its Dolphin Centre and Eastbourne complexes would continue to prove a success.

He said: "Last year, we had more than one million people through the doors using our fitness suites.

"We don't see Bannatyne's as a threat and, with the facilities we have, we are confident that people who come to us on a regular basis will continue to use us.

"We are confident that we will hold our own, and are doing everything we can to make sure that our equipment and fitness classes are kept to a high standard."

Richard Hadland, managing director of the Penthouse Fitness suite, in Skinnergate, Darlington, said they had spent more than £1m on facilities since it opened four years ago.

"We are a very, very competitive club, which is just as luxurious as Bannatyne's will be," said Mr Hadland.

"Also, we are more central, our prices are kept down to a minimum, and we have a ladies-only gym."

When Bannatyne's opens, it will include a 20-metre swimming pool, a caf bar, spa and sauna, as well as a large cardiovascular gym.

Forty full and part-time jobs for staff will be created by the venture.

Mr Bannatyne said: "We have now developed health clubs in towns and cities across the UK and the result has always been more choice for the public.

"People want the best facilities, helpful and expert staff, and a club that has a good social environment.

"In these areas, I am confident that we will set the gold standard for Darlington.