Thirty jobs were created when a £5 million health club opened in Hastings.

Bannatyne Fitness, the UK's largest independent health club operator, now has a string of clubs along the South Coast.

More than 1,200 members have signed up to the gym in Battle Road, which has a capacity of 3,500 people.

The club includes a 20-metre swimming pool, large spa bath, steam room and sauna.

Nigel Armstrong, managing director of Bannatyne Fitness, said: "The reaction to our new health club from the Hastings public has been fantastic and highlights their desire to maintain a healthy way of life."

The health club's general manager, Paul Matthews, said: "The build-up to the club's opening has been really positive with a growing number of members joining every day."

27 May, 2005