A Yorkshire college has pumped £3.8m (US$5.1, €4.3m) into its sports centre, adding a new dance and fitness studio to improve community facilities.

Ashville College in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, UK, has upgraded Ashville Sports Centre's gym, renovated its reception area and installed a cafe. It also houses the longest swimming pool in the district at 30m (98ft).

The improved sports centre will be used by local school pupils aged three to 18 and members of the public outside school hours.

Instructors have been recruited to offer a range of fitness classes, including indoor cycling, yoga, boxercise, barre and pilates.

Former army officer Nigel White, who has sports and leisure management experience in Austria, has been appointed as manager of the revamped centre.

“Nigel has the exact capabilities we were looking for to ensure the new Ashville Sports Centre quickly secures its place as one of the best facilities of its kind in Harrogate both for our pupils, working in conjunction with our sports department and, as an external facility for the public,” said Richard Marshall, headmaster at the college.