A major new leisure complex – boasting a leisure centre, restaurants and hotel – will be built in Morpeth, Northumberland.

The plans for the leisure hub, which will also house a new library and other public services, were announced by Northumberland County Council (NCC) this week.

Exact details of the development – including the cost and description of facilities – are yet to be decided.

Local residents will be given an opportunity to influence the centre’s leisure provisions through a public consultation, expected to be launched early next year.

According to Grant Davey, leader of NCC, further details will be revealed at a council cabinet meeting on 6 December.

“The administration is very sympathetic to residents' calls for far better leisure facilities, and for some time now we have been quietly searching for the best possible solution,” Davey said.

"I invite the people of Morpeth to work with their county council in identifying exactly what type of leisure provisions they would like included.

"This development will give even more reasons for people to enjoy the vibrant shopping, leisure and cultural attractions of this historic market town."

Morpeth is one of four Northumberland towns earmarked by NCC for major regeneration – alongside Hexham, Ashington and Cramlington.