A move to open up leisure facilities across Tendring for a longer period over the festive break has been hailed a success with residents deserting the cold turkey for healthy activities.

More than 400 people took the chance to visit sites at Clacton, Walton and Dovercourt on December 27 and December 28 - days when in previous years the centres had been closed.

Tendring District Council was delighted with the response of residents to the initiative and is looking to repeat the exercise in 2008.

Leisure Portfolio Holder Pierre Oxley said the decision to open Clacton Leisure Centre, Walton and Dovercourt Swimming Pools for two extra days had been justified.

"We listened to our customers - some of whom told us they would appreciate the facilities being open more over Christmas so they could use them," he said.

"The proof is always in the pudding and with 422 people going to the three sites over those two days it showed there was a demand. We will be looking to open up for extra hours again at the end of this year."

At Clacton Leisure Centre there were 154 visits on December 27 and 28, 136 visits at Dovercourt Swimming Pool and 132 visits to Frinton and Walton Swimming Pool.

Cllr Oxley said that usage over the whole of Christmas and New Year was very encouraging with all the sites proving popular.

"We are investing heavily in our leisure facilities and it is great to see people of all ages getting out there and using them," he added.

"Those who went to Dovercourt were able to experience the new gym equipment on offer there and at Clacton the first phase of the £2.7million Lifestyles project opened up to customers on January 3."