A council is considering investment options to improve a popular leisure centre.

Northumberland County Council has announced that it is to explore options to improve the facilities at Prudhoe Waterworld after admitting parts of it is 'looking old'.

The centre attracts visitors across Tynedale and from further afield to enjoy the facilities, which include a pool with slides and waves, a soft play and a gym.

Leader of Northumberland County Council, Glen Sanderson, said: “Certain parts of the building are looking tired and are in need of an upgrade.

"We would like to put some investment into the centre to breathe new life into it and to provide a modern and improved experience for the local community.

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"First, we need to look at options and what is possible and these discussions will start to take place over the coming months.”

Northumberland County Councillor and local ward councillor, Gordon Stewart, added: “There is an acknowledgement that investment is needed at Prudhoe Waterworld.

“Improvements won't happen overnight. A budget will be needed and agreed and there will be a lot of planning, research and public consultation, but I am delighted that initial talks are starting.”

In recent years the county council committed to an ambitious £65 million countywide investment programme to upgrade and transform sport and leisure facilities and to enhance the customer experience.

This has included major investment to refurbish and revitalise sports centres in Hexham, Newbiggin and Blyth and build new leisure centres for Ponteland, Berwick and Morpeth.