STARS of a popular nineties sitcom filmed at a New Forest leisure centre will be on hand to cut the ribbon on works to improve the centre.

Ringwood Health and Leisure Centre will reopen with new facilities and improvements at the start of October.

The 11-week refurbishment has seen enhancements throughout the centre, as well as the introduction of new equipment and facilities.

Developments to the council-run operation include new lighting, better air conditioning, a dedicated indoor cycling studio, an extended gym with brand-new equipment, and general updates.

As part of the opening events, the cast of the sitcom based in a leisure centre ‘The Brittas Empire’, which was largely filmed at Ringwood Health and Leisure Centre, will reunite at the centre more than 20 years after the sitcom ended.

The centre was used to shoot all the show’s exterior and swimming pool scenes.

Brittas Empire star Chris Barrie, heads the list of cast members who will be getting back together to reopen Ringwood Health and Leisure Centre following the major refurbishment.

The reunion will take place on Monday October 2 at Ringwood Health and Leisure Centre. Fans are invited to attend from 4pm to 5.30pm, and there is an invitation-only event for centre members from 5.30pm to 7.00pm.

After the evening events, the centre will re-open for general use at 6.30am on Tuesday October 3.