HARLECH sports centre has re-opened thanks to the efforts of Ysgol Ardudwy.

The centre, which was originally opened in 1990, was closed by Gwynedd Council in March and responsibility for the running of the site was handed over to the school (pictured).

Ysgol Ardudwy headteacher, Tudur Williams, said: “The centre has been an important institution within the school catchment area for many years and it was with sadness we experienced the decline in opening hours and usage.

“Gwynedd Council decided not to finance the centre and asked the school to oversee the use for the community.

“The governors were keen to invest in a project that would improve fitness and training facilities for pupils; it will also help the young and old in the area to achieve the Welsh government fitness and participation targets.

The centre will be managed by Iolo Owen, a former physical education teacher at the school. Facilities at the centre include two fitness rooms, the gymnasium and sports hall. The fitness room has treadmills, cross trainers, upright bikes, spinners, rowers, a multi-gym and kettlebells.

The weight training room adjoins the fitness room and includes weight and strength training equipment, Olympic lifting bars and dumbells. Further investment will be made in the weights room.

Clubs and groups can also use the sports hall for rugby, football, netball, hockey, walking football, badminton, indoor bowling, beginners cycling and basketball.

The school gymnasium is used for the primary gymnastic classes, dance, adult street dance fitness sessions and circuit training blasting sessions.