Saltash Leisure Centre has been congratulated on the progress it has made since avoiding closure one year ago.

In 2021, the centre, run by not-for-profit social enterprise GLL on behalf of Cornwall Council, was one of four Cornish centres under threat of closure.

But the local community rallied round in support of the centre and the decision was taken to keep it open.

Calls were also made for people in the community to use the centre more to secure its longer-term future.

A Christmas lunch at the centre’s Poolside Cafe has highlighted the progress being made.

The lunch was originally going to be a modest affair with 20 customers who wanted an aqua ladies meal. But other centre members then expressed an interest and all available tickets were quickly snapped up.

More than 50 customers joined centre staff for a three-course meal which was organised by Dawn Couch who took over as operator of the cafe earlier this year. Santa was also present to add to the festive cheer.

Dawn said: “I was thrilled to host my first Christmas event in the cafe.

“It was the perfect way to round off the year and celebrate not only the festivities but also what has been a successful first seven months since I opened the cafe in May.”

GLL senior general manager Ben Wilkinson said: “It was a really fun afternoon that underlined how well both the cafe and the centre are performing.

“The last 12 months have shown just what can happen when the community comes together and supports its local leisure centre facility.

“Dawn is doing an excellent job with the cafe and, compared to this time last year, there’s a real sense of optimism.”

James Curry, the head of services for GLL in Cornwall, said: “We’re delighted with all that has been achieved in Saltash and look forward to continuing to work closely with local groups.

“The Christmas lunch epitomises how far the centre and the new cafe have come, and I heartily congratulate everyone involved.”