LEISURE bosses at Live Borders have bowed to pressure and extended opening hours at their recently refurbished centre in Selkirk.

More than £500,000 was spent on improvements to the changing facilities, fitness suite, reception and viewing areas last year.

But reduced opening hours, introduced more than two years ago, continued with the facility closing mid-morning on Saturdays.

Since the renovation membership at the pool, gym and sauna has increased.

And last week it was announced that opening hours will be extended.

A spokeswoman said: "Since Selkirk Leisure Centre reopened following its exciting renovation, the swimming pool has been more popular than ever.

"With an increase in customer demand, we have received some requests to reconsider our opening hours including early morning swims and weekend sessions."

From this week, new opening hours will be trialled, which includes opening from 7am each Thursday and remaining open until noon on Saturdays.

The spokeswoman added: "We'll be monitoring the occupancy during these extended hours before making any permanent changes on March 31."

During the trial period the pool will still close at 10.30am on Saturdays, January 28, February 18 and March 18 due to a pre-existing booking.