A MULTI-MILLION refurbishment of Bolton's sports centres was unveiled with the completion of work at Farnworth leisure centre.

And health fanatics have given the thumbs up to Farnworth's new-look Isopa gym that brought fitness into the 21st century.

The renovation work costing a total of £18m for nine more leisure centres will be completed this year.

The improved gym in Farnworth offers facilities with a range of cardiovascular and exercise equipment including bikes, rowing machines, treadmills and cross trainers. Gillian Makin, one of the first to try out the facilities, said: "It's great, the equipment is so much better than anywhere else and the membership includes free use of the full size pool."

Councillor Martyn Cox, Bolton Council's Executive Member for Culture, went along to see what customers thought.

He said: "I'm really pleased to see the plans for the leisure centres going ahead.

"It means that Bolton leisure centres will continue to provide the finest facilities for fitness which the whole community can enjoy and afford." A record £18 million is being poured into the revamp after Bolton Council clinched a deal with Serco Leisure. The firm will manage and operate community leisure centres for the next 15 years.

A massive renewal programme has been outlined with Horwich the next in line for refurbishment.

Centres in Westhoughton, Deane, Turton, Sharples, Kearsley, Hayward, Little Lever, Harper Green, Withins and the town centre-based Excel centre will be modernised.