Sencio Community Leisure (SCL) has reported an 18.9 per cent increase in adult participation in fitness during 2009.

The leisure trust, which operates four leisure centres and a golf course on behalf of Leisure Sevenoaks District Council, attracted more than 400,000 swimmers and welcomed almost 56,000 people to its Prime Time programme for the more mature sector of its customer base during the year.

SCL also disclosed that 92 per cent of the company's revenue is now generated by income from the use of its facilities.

Mark Whyman, SCL chief executive, said: "This is the first time we have formally published our achievements and I’m proud we can demonstrate impressive and increasing usage of our facilities, a strong and largely supporting revenue stream and a range of programmes and initiatives that inspire organisations to partner with us.

"We face many challenges in the years ahead, not just financial but also in tackling important issues such as our country's unacceptable level of childhood obesity as well as the wider social inclusion agenda.

"But there is much that is positive, especially in the increasing recognition of the enormous benefits - social, medical and economic - that healthy lifestyles can deliver locally, regionally and nationally."

Since its formation in 2004, SCL has expanded its business operation beyond the Sevenoaks district taking on the management of the Blackhurst Lane Sports Centre in Tunbridge Wells and the Waterside Leisure Club in Cambridgeshire.