SPORTS-MAD Paul Astley is looking forward to knocking the Olympiad Leisure Centre back into shape.

Mr Astley, 34, who lives in Calne, with his wife and 18-month-old son, has swum and played water polo at national level.

Now he has taken on the role of area manager for North Wilts Leisure Ltd and says he has big plans for the Monkton Park centre, including some much-needed redecoration.

"Unfortunately, the management of the centre has been quite unstable recently, but I'm looking forward to getting it back on an even keel, giving the staff some stability and really smartening the place up," he said.

Managing a North Wiltshire leisure centre is far cry from Mr Astley's last role.

"Before this, I was managing a private diplomatic members' club in Qatar in the Middle East," he said.

"It was very different from the Olympiad, yes, but I'm still very enthusiastic about what can be achieved here."

Next month, the centre will launch an ambitious new exercise programme called Body Training System.

Offering choreographed classes in Body Pump and Body Combat, Mr Astley is hoping the high-energy group sessions will bring in many new members.

"This is a very exciting new programme and we'll be having a high-profile launch in December.

"There are also plans for a new swimming programme and investment will be put into upgrading the facilities here, which have become a little outdated.

"This centre has a great deal of potential and our customers should start seeing results in the next couple of months."

Mr Astley is also hoping to find time in his busy schedule to use some of the facilities at the Olympiad.

"I'm a keen squash player and I'm also keen on getting into the gym," he said.