Leisure and culture in East Renfrewshire are experiencing boom times, a new report has revealed.

Attendances at the region’s leisure centres have hit a five-year high, with other big increases recorded in sports classes, theatre visits and library membership.

The figures are contained in the first full year performance report from East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure Trust (ERCLT), which highlights “a positive and improving picture” across all areas.

The ERCLT was established in July 2015, bringing together East Renfrewshire’s sports and leisure centres, libraries, arts and community facilities.

Councillor Colm Merrick, East Renfrewshire’s convener for community services and community safety, said: “The ambition for ERCLT is to be the highest-performing leisure trust in Scotland.

“Having completed its first full year of operations in March 2017, the Trust has built on its marked early successes and continues to make improvements to work towards this ambition.

“Thank you to all staff working across the Trust, providing excellent service every day. These results are due to your hard work and enthusiasm.”

Key achievements of the Trust in 2016/17 included 30,000 attendances at leisure centres – exceeding last year’s total by five per cent.

Community sports development attendances increased by 16 per cent, with fitness class attendances also jumping by 16 per cent.

Libraries recorded more than 5,000 new members and theatre audience attendance was up by 17 per cent.

Now the Trust aims to build on these results by making further improvements to services.

This will include phase two of the redevelopment of the Barrhead Foundry swimming pool, which was announced recently.

Jim Wilson, chair of the ERCLT board, said: “It has been an excellent first full year for the Trust and I look forward to us continuing to go from strength to strength in the coming years.”