Stratford Leisure Centre opened its doors to more than 800 people during celebrations at its Community Open Day on Saturday, 5 September.

The leisure centre, run by award-winning operator Everyone Active in partnership with Stratford-on-Avon District Council, marked the completion of its £175,000 gym refurbishment with a day of free activities and a special appearance from Team GB sprinter and TV personality Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.

The event attracted a strong turnout from the local community, who enjoyed group exercise classes, family swimming, personal training tasters and Hyrox, badminton, pickleball and table tennis sessions. Soft play, Active Antz and Ninja Tag sessions and a roller disco also featured.

Families and gym members also participated in a fun-packed gym challenge with Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who engaged the crowds and signed autographs for fans.

Activities at this event were free of charge, pending a charity donation when booking with Everyone Active's charity partner, The Ben Kinsella Trust. The day raised more than £500 for the charity.

Richard Bell, area contract manager for Everyone Active, said: "We'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came along to our open day at Stratford Leisure Centre and helped to make it a wonderful success following our exciting refurbishment.

"Harry's enthusiasm for sport and movement is incredibly inspiring, and it was fantastic to see families, friends and colleagues unite to have fun and motivate each other to put their health and wellbeing first.

"It was a proud moment for us to welcome the community to our new-look facility while offering a range of classes and activities following the investment. We hope this will continue to be an inclusive space where people of all ages and abilities can work toward their health and fitness goals."

Councillor Lorraine Grocott, Environmental and Neighbourhood Services Portfolio Holder at Stratford-on-Avon District Council, said: "It was fantastic to see so many residents and families come along to Stratford Leisure Centre's Community Open Day and experience everything the leisure centre has to offer.

"The recent investment in the gym, alongside other improvements made across the leisure centre, reflects our commitment to providing modern, accessible facilities that encourage people of all ages and abilities to be active and improve their wellbeing.

"I would like to thank Everyone Active, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and everyone involved in making the day such a success."

Upgrades at the facility have included a state-of-the-art gym refurbishment featuring brand-new Life Fitness equipment for functional training, resistance and cardio.

The works follow a major investment in the leisure centre's revamped sauna and steam room and health suite earlier this year, a makeover of its cycle studio and the introduction of its soft play facility which opened in May.

To find out more about the centre, visit: Stratford Leisure Centre