Managers say north Oxford's Ferry Sports Centre is doing "tremendously" -- a month after it reopened following £3.4m re-fit.

Centre manager Lee Buchan said things were going so well that it had already established itself as a major player among Oxford's leisure facilities.

The sports centre, in Diamond Place, Summertown, boasts a state-of-the-art gym, a dance studio, refurbished sports hall, swimming pool and changing facilities.

It reopened a month ago, after an eight-month closure for refurbishment, funded by Oxford City Council, which owns the centre.

Mr Buchan said: "We've been really busy and have had a great response from the public. We're certainly challenging the David Lloyd Oxford and Esporta centres."

A new high-specification Aspires Fitness facility, which has more than 50 pieces of hi-tech cardiovascular and resistance treatment equipment, is also part of the development.

Maureen Christian, the city council's executive member for culture, said: "I'm tremendously pleased with the Ferry Centre development. It's a great asset to Oxford."

More than 400,000 people are expected to pass through the centre's doors this year.

Jamey Cox, 26, a receptionist who uses the gym twice weekly, said: "It's great and I think it's cheaper than some of the private centres.

"I've been really impressed and will definitely carry on using it."

From May 14, the Ferry Centre will be hosting a week-long Splashathon event in aid of the Tommy's baby charity.

The event is designed to get young children splashing about in the pool, in return for sponsorship.

Proceeds will fund research into miscarriage and still birth. For details, call the Ferry Centre on 01865 467060.