Assembly Member Ken Skates said he was delighted to officially open the new-look gym at Plas Madoc Leisure Centre last week.

The Clwyd South AM was a member of the volunteer trust which saved the popular facility from demolition after Wrexham Council planned close it down in 2013.

Plas Madoc received a £500,000 grant from the Welsh Labour Government in 2016 and was last year named Welsh Social Enterprise of the Year and Mr Skates was on hand to show off the new facilities last Friday, February 8.

He said: “I was delighted to officially open the new gym – it looks fantastic.

"And it was great to catch up with the staff and volunteers at the best social enterprise in Wales! I learned to swim at Plas Madoc, so as a long-term user and supporter I’m proud to see the centre going from strength to strength.”

The state-of-the-art equipment from Life Fitness includes large touchscreen monitors providing access to Netflix and other online streaming services. As part of the refurbishment the gym has also been redecorated and had a new floor laid.

Stella Mathews, chair of the Splash Community Trust which runs the centre said she was very proud of the investment that had been made. She said:“The new equipment puts us at the forefront of gym technology.

“I’m grateful to everyone for their ongoing support in our efforts to continue investing for the future.”

General manager Denise Chadwick added: “This major investment by the Splash Community Trust is a real statement as to our commitment to the long-term future of Plas Madoc Leisure Centre.

"The new kit will provide a real bonus to our current membership and hopefully attract new members.”

Wrexham Council closed Plas Madoc in 2014, but a band of dedicated supporters worked tirelessly to reopen it as a social enterprise. The centre, praised by First Minister Mark Drakeford following a recent visit, now employs more than 40 people.