Selby District Council has appointed Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust (WLCT) to operate Abbey Leisure Centre in Selby and both Tadcaster Leisure Centre and Selby Park in North Yorkshire.

The trust will oversee improvements at Abbey Leisure Centre, including an expansion of the gym as well as the construction of a new aerobics suite, a new health suite offering a sauna, a steam room and a members' lounge

A new multi-purpose room for functions and crèche activities will also be provided at the Abbey Leisure Centre, while facilities at Tadcaster are currently under review.

WLCT chief executive Rodney Hill, said: "This contract is a fantastic endorsement for our achievements in Wigan. Improving facilities, increasing choice and extending programmes in local leisure centres to get more people fit, active and, ultimately, improving people's lives."

The chair of the council's social board, Gillian Ivey, said: "Working in this way we're able to access greater levels of funding to draw-in new investment to improve facilities. We're also able to call on the expertise of a dedicated leisure organisation to deliver even better services for our residents. This work is part of our key long-term goals of supporting healthier communities, making better use of resources and organising to deliver."

The ú1.2m deal is the trust's first major contract outside of the North West since it was founded six years ago.

Hill added: "Our business plan has always been to expand outside of the borough and tender for services. Both the people of Wigan and Selby will benefit through this new deal.

"For those in Wigan it means our business portfolio is enhanced and strengthened, expanding our interests at a time of national economic instability. In Selby we will bring our experience and expertise to deliver the kind of leisure facilities and programmes to match everyone's aspirations."