OLYMPIC medallist triathlete Jonny Brownlee was at Giggleswick School to open a new state of the art fitness centre.

The fitness suite - a purpose built extension to the independent school's sports hall,

features the latest in weights, strength and conditioning training equipment as well as top-end treadmills, cycle trainers, rowing machines and other cardio-vascular training aids.

Jonny, the younger of the two Brownlee brothers, who grew up in Horsforth, took a look around the new gym, and unveiled a plaque.

The suite has been made possible thanks to a legacy from former pupil, Mike Hartley, whose sons, Gary and Steven, joined Jonny at the opening.

Jonny is no stranger to Giggleswick, having competed at cross country events at the school during his schooldays and also mentions it in his book, Swim Bike Run.

"I won my first schools U9 cross country race here. I remember running up the field and thinking that it felt like Everest at the time," he said.

"I am really impressed by these new facilities with equipment very similar to that which we use. Giggleswick has a wonderful location for triathlon training and I would really enjoy training here."

Headmaster Mark Turnbull said: "We were delighted to welcome Jonny to our school. Triathlon is a sport which we encourage at Giggleswick and Jonny's visit was inspirational," he said.

Jonny was taken on a tour of the school, had lunch with some of the elite sports programme pupils and took part in a question and answer session.

The gym development is just part of an ongoing multi-million pound investment in the school's buildings and facilities. The project will see an overhaul of the boarding houses to create the latest in modern, architecturally designed, home from home accommodation for its pupils.

Also in the planning is a dedicated new upper sixth form house, designed to provide bespoke facilities for more independent living and working, preparing each student for life beyond Giggleswick.