Richard Coates from nearby Scorton has joined the Swinton Estate team as head of the prestigious Swinton Country Club near Ripon.

Richard has spent 20 years in the leisure industry managing multiple sites and running his own health and fitness company.

He said: “I am very excited to be taking up this role, I have admired Swinton since my first visit when it opened in 2017. It has absolutely amazing facilities, from the gym and spa to the outdoor natural pools, holistic therapies, all complemented by superb outdoor spaces."

“This blend of spa, fitness and wellness is an excellent model for guests and members, and I’m keen to develop our offer as the very best in the region.”

General manager Paul Hunter added: “Health and wellness is core to the Swinton Estate experience, where we encourage guests not only to enjoy the extensive facilities within the Country Club, but also take full advantage of our wider 200 acres of gardens and parkland, which features a spa garden, woodland wellness space with hammocks, wild swimming lake open all year round, and miles of trails and walks with some of the finest views in Yorkshire, across the wider 20,000 acre estate”

“We are delighted to have Richard on board to grow our team and further develop the Swinton Country Club.”

Spa facilities at Swinton Park include an 18m indoor pool and hydrotherapy pool, and an alfresco hot tub - all heated by the on-site carbon-neutral biomass boilers - and outdoor bio-filtered natural pool.