A community facility that has formed the backbone of a Tynedale town for decades and helped increase healthy lifestyles will benefit from a community fund.

Haltwhistle Swimming and Leisure Centre has been selected to benefit from the Co-op Local Community Fund to aid its recovery out of the coronavirus pandemic.

“At a time when funds for community groups and charitable organisations are becoming more difficult to access, we’re incredibly grateful for this opportunity to make a real difference in Haltwhistle and the surrounding area,” Jeannette Hepburn, duty manager, said.

The leisure centre is due to reopen on December 2 as England’s second lockdown is lifted.

The centre will receive funds when Co-op members select Haltwhistle Leisure as their local cause and buy selected branded products and services.