PENDLE Leisure Trust's half-a-million pound investment in its gym is complete and has exceeded all expectations.

During the past 16 weeks, work has been non-stop on the site at the back of the existing sports hall in Nelson. The new building covers around 420 square feet, and is the result of a new partnership with Alliance Leisure.

The gym is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including 40 stations featuring cardio vascular equipment such as cross trainers, treadmills, stairclimbers, bikes and rowers, as well as resistance equipment for leg press, leg curl, chest press and shoulder press exercises.

Alison Goode, regional recreation manager, said: "I am delighted with the completed result. It has been a long time in the planning stages, making sure we got every detail right, but it has all been worth it.

"The new gym is fantastic and can rival any private sector facility in the area.

"We are all looking forward to getting started with the new equipment, and helping the people of Pendle to get fit in style."

The new gym will be officially opened to the public on Friday, January 10, at 2pm by the Mayor of Pendle, Coun Pauline McCormick.

There will then be an open weekend on Saturday, January 11 and Sunday, January 12, when people will be invited to look around and make comments.

To celebrate the new gym, Pendle Leisure Trust has launched its first all encompassing leisure membership card, which will allow members unlimited access to the gym at Pendle Leisure Centre and existing gyms at West Craven Sports Centre and Seedhill Athletics and Fitness Centre, swimming at Pendle Leisure Centre, West Craven Sports Centre and Pendle Wavelengths, health suite facilities at Pendle Leisure Centre, Pendle Wavelengths and Seedhill Athletics and Fitness Centre and group exercise classes at Pendle Leisure Centre, West Craven Sports Centre and Pendle Wavelengths.