SKIPTON'S much-used Sandylands Sports Centre is poised to reopen after more than six months following devastating Boxing Day floods.

And the centre's trustees say they are "absolutely delighted" with the results of refurbishment work, which has cost hundreds of thousands of pounds.

The centre, highly popular with enthusiasts of a wide variety of sports, was devastated by the flooding, with almost the entire building under six to eight inches of water.

Sandylands was just one of many areas in Skipton and the wider country to suffer serious flooding at the end of last year. The centre's outdoor courts and pitches were also inundated.

But work to repair the main hall, four squash courts and other rooms, as well as the public and reception areas, has been going on for several months and will be completed for the reopening on Tuesday.

More than £300,000 has been spent on the refurbishment, which has also seen the centre's public and staff areas redecorated and updated throughout. Sandylands is largely financially self-supporting, under the auspices of the Coulthurst charitable trust, and relies on the sports enthusiasts who use its facilities to pay its way.

Trustee, Mel Mason, said: "Anyone who saw how much damage Sandylands suffered on Boxing Day would be amazed at how fantastic the centre looks now.

"A lot of people have worked extremely hard to get it looking so good.

"There was water ingress everywhere. Obviously, we were upset at the time, but it has turned into a great opportunity for a complete refurbishment, and everywhere has been renovated to a very high standard. Thankfully, our insurance company has been superb, and paid for the bulk of the work to be done.

"We have also had some cash help from Craven District Council, Sport England, North Yorkshire County Council and others, and would like to thank them all.

"A lot of different sports groups have used Sandylands over the years, so we are looking forward to hopefully welcoming them all back."

As well as renovation work, flood defences have been installed and all doors sealed to guard against future problems.

LED lighting has been installed at a cost of £30,000, new floors have been put in the squash courts and the main hall, and spectator areas completely refurbished. A new muted and uniform colour scheme has been used throughout, and offices renovated. The 'meetings and presentations room' has had data points installed, while the male and female changing rooms have been totally refurbished.

Mr Mason added: "That the centre looks so good is a testament to the hard work of a lot of people, especially the staff and trade professionals, who have done such a great job. We are all looking forward to reopening on Tuesday with a centre the community can be really proud of."