Leisure Connection, the operator of more than 70 sports and cultural venues across the UK, has reported an increase in like-for-like sales for the financial year ending September 2011.

During the 12-month period, fitness membership revenue and like-for-like personal training sales grew by 1 per cent and 6 per cent respectively, compared with the previous year.

Swimming membership revenue and swimming school revenue also increased in the period, with Leisure Connection's adult swimming programme growing by 200 per cent in 2011.

More than £1m was invested in local health and leisure facilities throughout the year, which has included the updating of buildings and the development of new programmes.

Leisure Connection said the trend had continued into the new year, with like-for-like sales in October up by 2.4 per cent. Fitness sales for the month grew by 1.8 per cent.

Richard Millman, chief executive officer of Leisure Connection, said: "We have achieved a successful like-for-like performance because of our focus on core activities, which are fitness and swimming.

"2012 is going to be an exciting year and we look forward to working in partnership with our clients to embrace the Olympic and Paralympic Games and encourage even more people to become more active, more often."