Carn Brea Leisure Centre's new and improved health and fitness facility and changing rooms have been re-opened by a 92-year-old gym patron, following a £200,000 investment.

The works were carried out by local building contractor, RG Kellow and has seen the gym expand in size by a third, to 1,300 square feet, with the changing rooms doubling in size and receiving a complete makeover.

Robert Kellow, managing director at RG Kellow, said: “We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with such a significant organisation on this exciting project. Carn Brea Leisure Centre has been at the heart of our community, employees and their families for generations and we have all been looking forward to seeing the finished result.”

The traditional ribbon cutting to formally open the new facilities was carried out by two of the charity’s longest standing gym members, Laura West and Floss Wilson. Floss who has been attending the centre for over 20 years, said: “The new gym is marvellous and has completely exceeded my expectations, it’s so much bigger and brighter than before and at the grand age of 92, I can’t wait to try out all the new equipment and catch up with my friends.”

The three month project marks the first step of a refreshed re-development strategy the local charity has put in place to enhance the centre’s facilities.

Alex Clifton, the Ttust’s chief operating officer, said: “We are delighted to have completed the project on time and also excited to open such an amazing health and fitness space during a time of year when the local community are traditionally focussed on their health.

"The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive so far and we would like to thank all our customers for being so understanding of the disruption over the last three months and hope that the end result has been worth it.

“The board of trustees and management team have been working hard behind the scenes to put together a sustainable re-investment plan that delivers a better facility for the community and I’m extremely pleased that we’ve completed the first stage of what is shaping up to be an exciting few years.”