A trust has recorded a multi-million pound turnover a year after taking over four leisure centres.

Freedom Leisure, a not-for-profit organisation, took on responsibility for the centres in April last year and this week announced it had made more than £4 million in its first year of trading.

The trust took over centres in Hailsham, Uckfield, Crowborough and Heathfield from Wealden District Council and in June took on Ringmer Pool, near Lewes.

Jeff Hart, managing director of Freedom Leisure, said: "I have been delighted with the progress we have made since achieving trust status last year.

"I am confident our second full year will bring even more improvements to our services and facilities."

More than £770,000 has been spent to improve facilities, including a £250,000 makeover for the Utopia Centre in Uckfield.

Further projects in the pipeline include the new Helenswood Sports Centre, opposite the Conquest Hospital in Hastings, due to open in the autumn.

The trust is one of the largest employers in Wealden, with more than 400 staff scattered around the district.

Council leaders predict the trust will eventually deal with a turnover of more than £6 million a year.

Many of its users are referred to the gyms by their GPs as part of the Oasis programme, which was piloted by Hailsham Lagoon Centre in 1991.

Since its inauguration, more than 6,000 referrals have passed through its doors and the scheme has been extended into Eastbourne and surrounding areas.

Spin-offs from Oasis have included post-natal group Mums on the Run and Vintage Sports for older people in sheltered accommodation.