WEST Dorset District Council has appointed its preferred operator for the new £8million Dorchester Sports Centre.

Members of the council's executive committee have agreed to award 1610 Ltd, a not-for-profit leisure trust, the position of preferred bidder for the 10-year contract to operate the new facility.

Work is expected to be completed on the site adjacent to the existing Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre in April and it is anticipated it will be open to the public in June.

For the full story see Thursday's Dorset Echo.