ONE of the New Forest's biggest recreation centres is receiving a £400,000 makeover.

Leisure chiefs say the major refurbishment taking place at Ringwood Health and Leisure will turn it into a modern state-of-the-art facility.

Work on a new changing areas and a purpose-built dance and aerobic studio is set to be completed by Christmas.

The studio will stage more than 40 activities a week, including aerobics, dance and mind-and-body exercise classes.

Changing areas are being modernised to include larger lockers and better lighting.

Improvements are also being made to the centre's swimming pool, including a new ultra-violet treatment system that will enhance the water quality by reducing the amount of chlorine.