TRUSTEES at Skipton's premier sports complex, which was engulfed by floodwaters on Boxing Day, aim to turn disaster into triumph.

Work has started to repair Sandylands sports hall, the four squash courts, martial arts and table tennis room, toilets, squash courts, corridors and public area along with the reception and staff office.

Floodwaters swept down Engine Sed Lane, rushed down the entrance drive and penetrated the hall, reception and most of the rest of the building after sweeping across the all-weather pitches.

The management committee of the Coulthurst Trust – the registered charity that runs the complex – expect it will take weeks to complete the work but hope to have the repairs finished by Easter.

Meanwhile, the fitness room and gymnasium and the all-weather pitches will continue to operate.

It comes at a time when the trustees were already planning to resurface the all-weather pitches and to restore the two tarmacadam-surfaced tennis courts by the summer time.

Long-serving volunteer and chief fundraiser, Roger Beck, said: "Whilst the flooding during Christmas Day and Boxing Day was very unfortunate, it nevertheless provides a fantastic opportunity to refurbish the sports centre.

"The upgrading of the adjacent back tennis courts and the re-surfacing of the all-weather pitch this year will result in further significant improvements."

He added the flood was a disaster as many sports organisation and individuals had been temporarily affected. But the aim is to provide fantastic new facilities, both in the sports centre and at the tennis courts.

Manager, Daile Coope, who helps spearhead all the sporting activities, said: "This has been a disaster but we are determined to turn it it something positive.

"But we can't start to do anything until the place has reached the correct humidity levels. It needs to be sanitised and dry."

Trustee, Mel Mason, said the work will cost at least £100,000, but it is a chance to renew the facilities throughout the building. And they will be considering introducing flood preventive measures to stop water entering the building in the event of another flood.

He added: "We are insured, of course, but it will cost a lot of money.We are a community-backed charity, so we would be pleased to hear from anyone out there who might want to help."

The North Yorkshire Probation Service has already offered assistance through its community service.