Worcestershire County Council (WCC) has announced the start of work on a £1m refurbishment scheme, which is designed to improve facilities at the Ryland Centre in Bromsgrove.

Work will include the replacement of the venue's athletics track, as well as a complete overhaul of the changing rooms and sports hall. Access for disabled users will also be improved. WCC cabinet member for corporate services Stephen Clee said: "We have worked hard on this project to attract external grant funding which has allowed us to completely refurbish the centre and to design and create a facility which is far more user friendly, particularly to those with disabilities."

Marcus Hart, cabinet member for children and young people at WCC, added: "It is so important that youngsters in particular have access to excellent athletics and leisure facilities and I am sure the work started at the Ryland Centre will ultimately deliver that."