A new chief executive has been appointed at Rossendale Leisure Trust and is aiming to improve the health and activity levels of the borough's population.

Samantha Sandford has taken the role, moving to Rossendale from Salford Community Leisure in Greater Manchester, where she worked for 18 years.

In her role, she will oversee the running of venues such as The Whitaker in Rawtenstall and Whitworth's The Ashcroft, as well as the borough's swimming pools, gyms and climbing walls.

Before moving to Rossendale, Ms Sandford served as head of corporate strategy and performance in Salford.

She has said she is determined to help residents become healthy and active both mentally as well as physically.

She said: “The Rossendale job attracted me because it is a community trust model which is all about giving back to the community.

"I am really passionate about helping support people to become more active and healthy and I’m looking forward to working with the Council and partners to further develop the vision for leisure and culture in Rossendale.”

She has also paid tribute to her predecessor Ken Masser and said she wants residents to be involved in decision making on leisure in the borough.

“I start today (April 24) and I am looking forward to meeting all the team and getting to know all the partners, continuing the great work that has already been undertaken.

“We need to be encouraging people to be involved in any type of activity. Getting people healthy is not all about elitist sport, it’s about encouraging residents to use local assets indoor and outdoor to take small steps to get active.

“We need to be encouraging more people to try our facilities to create a more active community.”

As well as the aforemention venues, the trust runs facilities such as the Adrenaline Centre and sports pitches in Haslingden, Bacup Pioneer Gym and Whitworth Leisure Centre.