Health club owner, Duncan Bannatyne, has announced plans to invest £22m in the expansion of his Bannatyne Fitness chain.

Following the multi-million pound sale of the 21-strong nursery business, Just Learning Ltd to investment house Alchemy, Bannatyne intends to plough the money into the leisure sector and establish another 40 health and fitness clubs in the next three years.

The sale of Just Learning frees up millions of pounds to invest in the leisure sector, which I strongly believe is located in a growth market. I am now determined that Bannatyne Fitness will grow into a dominant force in the sector, said Bannatyne.

Separately, Bannatyne is planning to develop a number of casinos in the future. Further details will be announced when a suitable site has been agreed.