A newly-extended fitness suite has opened at a leisure centre in Ripon, North Yorkshire, following the completion of a major £285,000 renovation.

The scheme has been funded by Harrogate Borough Council (HBC) and Ripon City Council (RCC), which has created the largest gym in the borough council's portfolio. Ripon Leisure Centre's ground floor Brimhams' Fitness Suite has become a free weights area as part of the project, with Technogym supplying 36 pieces of equipment for the 209sq m (2,250sq ft) facility.

The renovation comes after HBC secured a deal to take over the freehold transfer of the site, having operated the complex as part of a leasehold/management contract with RCC. Brimhams fitness manager Andy Hawkswell said: "The new gym is light and airy and provides the best environment for staying in shape."