Abbey Leisure Centre in Selby, North Yorkshire, has suffered "significant damage" after a fire yesterday morning (28 February), just 18 months after a £1.1m revamp was completed.

In a statement to the full council, Selby District Council (SDC) leader Mark Crane said that parts of the venue's roof had collapsed and the swimming pool area had been "devastated".

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has commenced its investigation into the cause of the blaze, which it is believed may have started in the sauna area on the first floor.

Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust (WLCT) operates the centre on behalf of the council, with facilities including a 180sq m (1,938sq ft) health and fitness centre opened in August 2010.

A 75-station gym equipped by Technogym is at the heart of the fitness area, along with a 70sq m (753sq ft) dance studio, a spinning studio, and a consultation room and health suite

Crane told councillors: "Such a fire at any time would be terrible; but coming, as this does, so soon after a £1m refit of the facilities is particularly galling."

In a separate statement, SDC and WLCT said: "Abbey Leisure Centre has seen major investment over the last few years and everyone associated with the centre has been left devastated by this fire."

Details: www.selby.gov.uk