THE sports and fitness facilities at a leading secondary school are to be taken under the wing of a leisure trust in a bid to boost local people's health.

Accrington Academy in Queen's Road West has a six-lane swimming pool, gym, studios, sports hall, outdoor pitches, 3G pitch, outdoor netball courts, and indoor climbing wall.

They reopened in June after a closure caused by the coronavirus pandemic and are currently open to the public on a pay as you go arrangement.

In January Hyndburn Leisure Trust will take over management of the sports and fitness facilities at the academy in a bid to increase their use by local people.

As well as pay as you go tickets, individuals will be able to take out Hyndburn Leisure memberships which give discounted access to other sports, fitness and recreation centres in the borough.

Headteacher James Kerfoot said: "We are excited to work in partnership with Hyndburn Leisure to enable more local families and residents to enjoy the facilities we have to offer here.

“Outside of school hours we want to provide a high-quality service for the wider community.”

Lyndsey Sims, Hyndburn Leisure Trust's chief executive, said: “We really welcome the opportunity to work alongside Accrington Academy to operate their excellent leisure and sports facilities. The Leisure Trust are keen to maximise participation levels."

Cllr Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, said: "This partnership is fantastic news. Organisations working together is a key part of the future for our borough. "