Freedom Leisure has announced that it has secured a new 10-year management agreement to operate local facilities on behalf of Wealden District Council (WDC) from 1 April.

The contract encompasses four centres across the East Sussex district, with the non-profit trust planning to invest a total of £7m in undertaking "major improvements" to facilities.

Spending plans include £1.8m on new equipment, which will help ensure each of the four leisure centres are able to compete with rival privately-operated sites.

The remaining £5.2m will go towards refurbishment projects, including extensions to the gym and new changing facilities at Crowborough and Hailsham leisure centres.

A wet-side refurbishment at Crowborough Leisure Centre is also planned, with WDC to provide funding. A further £100,000 will go towards energy efficiency improvements.

Freedom Leisure managing director Jeff Hart said: "Freedom Leisure was formed to operate the Wealden District Council contract ten years ago so we are delighted that the council felt we should be appointed for another term.

"As well as a substantial investment in facilities we have committed to increasing participation year on year through affordable and accessible community based schemes."