Thanet Leisureforce (TLF) and Vista Leisure (VL) have merged to form Your Leisure Kent Limited.

The company will remain a social enterprise with charitable objectives managing a range of leisure and hospitality services within the Thanet and Dover districts.

The two non-profit organisations have worked closely together since 2010 and the merger will improve the sustainability of leisure provision in East Kent as well as extending the range of services and facilities available for customers.

TLF managing director Steve Davis said: "This merger offers a significant opportunity for both TLF and VL to take our businesses forward by consolidating resources and combining our strengths. I am looking forward to working with our new colleagues from Vista to ensure Your Leisure becomes a successful and vibrant business."

Vista's Chief Executive Kevin Fordham added: "Vista's Trustees are confident that our values and priorities are complementary and considered this was the best way forward to provide stronger financial platform. They also felt the merger would open up new opportunities and was in the best interests of the charity beneficiaries."