A NEW £300,000 state-of-the-art fitness centre has been officially opened in Easingwold.

The Galtres Fitness Centre, built on to Galtres Centre Community Hall, includes more than 30 pieces of equipment for people to use under the supervision of five assistants.

It was opened by Sir Donald Luddington, who has been a supporter of the centre for many years.

The project, which included securing a £150,000 grant from the Sports Lottery, took six years to complete.

Centre chairman Richard Farmer said the opening was "the realisation of a dream".

Updated: 10:44 Saturday, April 13, 2002