DILAPIDATED facilities at Cinderford's Forest Leisure centre have been transformed into plush new surroundings.

A £16,000 revamp of the swimming pool and changing areas at the centre was completed this week.

It was given the seal of approval by the Forest's own Special Olympics powerlifting gold medallist Nathan Fisher, who cut the ribbon.

The work was funded with £10,000 from the district council, about £6,000 from Cinderford Town Council and a small contribution from Heywood Community School, which is on the same site as the centre.

Town mayor Max Coborn said: "I'm really impressed with the changing rooms. They are much improved and I would encourage people to come along to the leisure centre and try them out.

"Leisure centre staff worked really hard on the project to get it finished which was great to see. It was good the town council and district council were able to work together to get these improvements in place for the benefit of the community."

Several local businesses were also given a boost. Drybrook-based Preest Painters, Builders and Maintenance did the painting and re-tiling with Coleford-based Mike Burris doing the flooring. TH Haskett and Son of Littledean did the plumbing work. Hale and Co of Drybrook provided materials.

Councillor Terry Hale, district council cabinet member for the community, said: "We are really pleased with the new look changing rooms – this work was vital to refresh the leisure centre for the benefit of everyone who uses it."