Leisure facilities across Northumberland and Cumbria have benefited from extensive improvements and developments over recent months thanks to additional funding from local councils.

North Country Leisure, the sports trust that manages several sports and leisure facilities in the region, in partnership with Alnwick District Council, Tynedale Council and Copeland Borough Council, has received substantial investment in each of the areas they operate to further improve the buildings and facilities on offer.

The Wentworth Leisure Centre in Hexham opened a brand new extension in August and now offers a 25m swimming pool with moveable floor, a 15m studio pool and a new fitness centre.

The facility also houses two cafes, an indoor bowls hall, four studio rooms, a football pitch and a synthetic surface athletics track. Outdoor changing facilities and a covered viewing area were also added over the summer and HRH Princess Anne will officially open the new Wentworth Leisure Centre on 20 October.

Leisure facilities in the Alnwick area have also been improved, with a brand new fitness studio added to Willowburn Sports and Leisure Centre in August, and Coquetdale Swimming and Fitness Centre, previously Rothbury Swimming Pool, now has a brand new Healthy Life Centre.

Elsewhere, the Copeland Bowls and Sports Centre has a brand new function suite, the reception area at Whitehaven Sports Centre has undergone a facelift, and Whitehaven Civic Hall has seen new bar and kitchen areas added this year.

Phil Sutton, manager of the Civic Hall, said: "The building has seen a lot of improvements over the last 12 months and is now geared up to be not only a great entertainment venue but also an ideal location for wedding receptions and functions."

Photograph: Wentworth Pool