A £60,000 transformation has taken place at Barnoldswick's West Craven Sports Centre to make it accessible to all.

Today (Friday) marks the official launch of the new look centre, which was selected as one of just 150 facilities across the country to be granted the IFI (Inclusive Fitness Initiative) seal of approval.

The IFI scheme was set up by the English Federation of Disability Sport to improve sporting facilities for disabled people.

A spokesman from Pendle Leisure Trust said: "Unwittingly, many organisations have a number of services and facilities that are difficult for disabled users to access.

"The IFI drafted an access report highlighting just some of these areas and Pendle Leisure Trust, with the help of Borough of Pendle, have been working to make these changes.

"Improvements will be ongoing, but some key changes have already been made including installation of approved user-friendly equipment, colour contrasting of areas to aid the visually impaired, simplification of signage and communication material and lowering of the reception desk to aid customer communication.

"In addition, both front of house and fitness staff have been trained to become more aware of different customers' needs."

Clive Escreet, programming and events manager, added: "It is all about adapting the machinery for people with different disabilities, whether they are visually impaired, people who have arthritis, people with joint problems, or helping people who have had an accident."

The specialist equipment has a host of features including seats with back support, wheelchair access, safety straps and visual enhancers.

People with restricted movement can take part in static exercise following the introduction of a Fitvibe - a vibrating plate which works the muscles and improves circulation.

In addition the disabled car parking spaces have been moved nearer the entrance, rails have been lowered and the changing rooms have been improved.

"It has been a lot of hard work," added Mr Escreet. "But the reward from people with disabilities being able to achieve something now when they could not before is phenomenal.

"All the equipment is inclusive. We are not treating anyone differently - we are removing all the barriers that would stop people coming to the centre and using the facilities."

While the IFI approval was officially granted on Tuesday, work began at the centre 18 months ago. The transformation was funded by a grant from the Sport England Lottery Fund while match funding came from the North West Development Agency through the West Craven Together Initiative.