NEW exercise facilities have been officially opened to the public.

Councillors and town dignitaries joined Aura staff at Mold Leisure Centre on Thursday to officially mark the opening of the centre's new fitness development.

Video and images by Rick Matthews

The scheme comprises a fitness suite with more than 44 stations - which includes an Origin functional rig, 21 Technogym studio cycling bikes, two studios, new changing rooms, a new fitness class programme and 46 additional car parking spaces.

Mold Mayor cllr Karen Hodgkinson, who had the chance to try out some of the equipment, said: "It is amazing - this is a really nice new facility for Mold.

"It is for everyone and it will be a big help for mental health as well as for people with other health issues."

Cllr Chris Bithell said: "It is excellent to see it come to fruition - it now caters for a greater number of people."

Ian Bancroft, chief officer at Flintshire Council: "It is brilliant to see this up and running. It is a product of a great partnership between Aura and the council and something that really benefits residents.

"It will be real benefit for the children as well from a curriculum point of view."

Christine Edwards, chair of the board of directors for Aura, an employee owned and not-for-profit organisation, said she wishes to encourage more people to come and try the facilities for themselves.

Memberships start from £22 a month to use the facilities at Mold Leisure Centre. Memberships are available at a different rate that will enable use of the facilities at Buckley leisure Centre, Deeside Leisure Centre as well as Jade Jones Pavilion, Flint.