Wyre Council has invested more than £3m to rejuvenate Thornton Health and Fitness Centre in north Lancashire, with a glow in the dark bowling alley and an indoor ramp park staffed by semi-pro skaters among the new facilities.

The YMCA-operated Thornton site now boasts the indoor Air Skate Park, YMCA Bowl 10 pin bowling alley and diner, floodlit 3G sports pitches, plus an extensive gym.

"We're moving away from what people expect from traditional sports centres and encouraging a whole new family audience to spend their leisure time at the much-improved Thornton site,” said Wyre Council CEO Garry Payne.

"This investment is in response to what the community told us they wanted during consultation. At the same time it will also help secure the centre's future, as increased use will significantly increase revenue and therefore reduce the cost on the public purse.”

The centre’s new health and fitness complex includes a gym powered by Life Fitness with more than 100 stations and workout-tracking technology. There is also a new power training area, with a Spartan functional training rig, plus purpose-built group cycling and fitness class studios.

Meanwhile, the Air Skate Park comprises a professionally-designed ramp experience with 17 interconnecting ramps, pipes, banks, ledges and rails for boards, BMX, blades and scooters.

John Cronin, chief executive for YMCA Fylde Coast, added: "The transformation really is incredible. It is without a doubt a new flagship facility for the whole of the Fylde Coast and it is our mission to ensure as many local people as possible have the opportunity to enjoy and benefit from the diverse facilities on offer."