Eastleigh'S future sporting life has been given a major lift with a new deal that should pave the way for more money being invested in the town's Fleming Park Leisure Centre.

The council has entered into a 20-year management agreement for the provision of sports and leisure facilities at what is now one of the country's best-used leisure complexes.

It means that the borough council's partnership with leisure management company DC Leisure will continue until 2020.

The partnership was established nine years ago.

Since then, there has been considerable improvements to the leisure centre, including a new tennis hall, artificial turf pitch and gym extensions.

There is also an ongoing refurbishment programme.

Last year, DC Leisure took over the management of Fleming Park golf course and playing-pitches.

This has led to a number of improvements to the park's paddling-pool, with a kiosk, toilets, and refreshment facilities.

The £400,000 project for a two-storey golf clubhouse on the west side of the leisure centre is nearing completion.

Changes to the golf course layout have already been agreed, and the course is on target for a relaunch in May.

Now, with the new partnership arrangements clinched for a further term, DC Leisure's regional operations director, Rich-ard Miller, is confident that the additional investment will keep the borough's leisure facilities among the most popular in the country.

He said: "We have enjoyed an excellent partnership with Eastleigh council, with the customers being the real winners.

"The commitment of the team of staff at the centre has been vital over the past decade, and without their efforts our partnership would not have flourished."

The council's deputy chief executive, Roberto Tambini, added: "This contract is the culmination of many years of successful partnership between the borough council, residents of Hampshire and DC Leisure.

"The council is delighted with the improved facilities, which we believe ensures a centre fit for the new millennium and represents best value for our communities."