A £1.4 million contract to manage leisure facilities in Torridge for the next 10 years has been awarded to Somerset-based 1610 leisure trust.

Torridge District Council said it will save £290,000 a year from the new contract which was due to start yesterday.

The non-profit making leisure trust, which currently manages 13 leisure centres on school sites in Somerset, was set to take over the management of Torrington Pool, Torridge Pool in Bideford, Holsworthy Leisure Centre and the Torrington Sports Hall and artificial turf pitch.

The tender process took place over a year.

Leisure and cultural services manager, Vikki Braddick, who managed the tendering process said: "The council is investing a further £85,000 in Torridge pool for a new dance studio and fitness suite, and will continue investment in Torrington Pool which should re-open in the spring with a new roof."