A new reception area which has been unveiled at Bell's Sports Centre in Perth, Scotland, is the latest in a string of improvements completed at the site recently.

The facility, which is operated by Perth and Kinross Leisure (PKL), now also boasts refurbished male and female changing rooms, disabled changing facilities and an improved waiting area.

The new facilities for disabled guests include a toilet and shower area with a mobile shower chair, ceiling mounted automated track and hoist system, a height adjustable bench and drop down seating an grab rails which can be adapted to allow extra space for carers.

Linton Scarborough, chairman of PKL, said: "Perth and Kinross Leisure is committed to supporting as many people as possible to lead more active lives and get maximum opportunities from our sports and leisure facilities.

"This innovative specialist facility has been generously supported by Perth and Kinross Council and PAMIS and fits well with other accessibility initiatives that PKL has ranging from specialist hoists in swimming pools and specific games and sports court markings in sports centres to our sponsorship of the Perth and Kinross Sports Council Disability Sport Achievement Award."

Rhona Lamond, one of the parent/carers involved in progressing the project, added: "As a parent of a young man with profound and multiple disabilities, epilepsy and mobility problems, I have struggled for years trying to accommodate his personal care needs while accessing community resources.

"To say it was frustrating for both my son and I would be an understatement as all outings with him were time controlled due to the lack of appropriate community facilities. My thanks go out to everyone who has been part of this project group for enabling my son to become a valued part of society and endeavouring to assist him to participate in activities and outings which you and I take for granted."

All the upgrades at the centre came about in response to a series of evaluations and user feedback.

Jim Moyes, PKL's chief executive officer, said: " "In order to meet current customer needs and expectations it was clear that there was a requirement for significant updates in certain areas of the centre.

"The development of the new reception area and new changing rooms at Bell's Sports Centre has been generously supported by The Gannochy Trust who also wholly funded the original construction of the centre in the 1960s."

Mark Webster, chairman of the Gannochy Trust, added: "This is the latest of several donations made by the Gannochy Trust which underlines its continuing commitment to make a positive difference to the provision of sporting facilities and, with the facilities that are in the Centre, to inspire participation in sports and to encourage young role models in developing coaches and leaders.

"The Trust funded the building of the Centre over 40 years ago and has donated the funds for all the capital projects for the Centre."