Swimming pools and gyms across three East Sussex towns have recorded a significant rise in usage during the recent school holiday period.

Figures released by Wealden District Council show that 24,799 visits were logged at leisure facilities in Uckfield, Hailsham and Crowborough during the summer break.

The attendance comprised 11,297 swimming sessions, 8,254 gym workouts and 4,676 participants in group exercise classes.

Councillor Kelvin Williams, who represents the Alliance for Wealden group and serves as the Liberal Democrat member responsible for public health and asset management on Wealden District Council, welcomed the numbers.

The councillor stated that thousands of local residents had been making use of the venues and participating in activities.

He noted that the data demonstrates the value these facilities hold for the community.

Membership numbers at the three centres, which are managed by Freedom Leisure, have grown by eight percent when compared with the equivalent period twelve months earlier.

Weekly activity at the sites includes more than 219 fitness classes, with particularly strong participation recorded at sessions designed for children during the school holidays.

Both Wealden District Council and Freedom Leisure have maintained their commitment to improving the venues.

Investments have included a £300,000 renovation project at Uckfield Leisure Centre and £100,000 spent on improvements at Hailsham Leisure Centre.

Ivan Horsfall Turner, chief executive of Freedom Leisure, expressed pride in the company’s 25-year association with Wealden and acknowledged the importance of the centres to local communities.