THOSE thinking about losing the odd pound or two after the Christmas period can take advantage of a £180,000 refurbishment of a leisure centre gym.

More than 400 people attended the Padiham Leisure Centre launch, following weeks of refurbishment.

The Park Road centre now boasts a new exercise suit and cycling studio.

Working in partnership with Burnley Council, the latest equipment and technology, from Life Fitness, was installed to support Padiham residents with their health and wellbeing.

Among the upgrades include air conditioning, general decoration and the addition of a group cycling facility.

The gym was closed from Friday, December 1, for the work to take place.

Scott Bryce, operations manager for Burnley Leisure, said: "The new equipment at Padiham Leisure Centre is outstanding and integrated with the very latest technology and workout programmes to ensure our members have that ultimate experience.

"We are over the moon that we have also been able to install a new cycle studio to the facility at Padiham with pioneering design of the latest indoor cycling bikes; coincided with a fantastic immersive MyRide experience.

"No matter what your fitness ability, our equipment can enable all members to train to their full potential."

To celebrate the new equipment, existing members can take advantage of Burnley Leisure's current dedication and reward promotion.

The first 100 members to sign up will receive vouchers for Burnley Leisure facilities.

Speaking at the time of the gym refurbishment announcement, Cllr John Harbour, deputy leader of the council, said: "The spinning bikes are a really exciting, they've become very popular with other centres and now our members will get to enjoy them.

"The Padiham Leisure Centre is well used by a lot of people, everyone has a link to it.

"We are always looking to get people exercising and this is another great way of doing that.

"Making our centres more appealing and attractive will encourage people to take part in fitness and have a healthy lifestyle.

"To make them attractive we need to make sure the gym is in keeping with the times and as good as, if not better, than other centres."