Work has begun on an £11.1m project to turn a Kent sports complex into a centre of excellence.

Medway Council hopes the overhaul of the Black Lion Leisure Centre, Gillingham, will boost its chances of attracting teams training for the 2012 London Games.

Council chiefs believe they can offer Olympic and Paralympic committees the opportunity to stage pre-games training camps for more than 20 sports.

Phase one will see workmen constructing the martial arts centre, as part of a refurbished sports centre.

Plans also include an eight-lane athletics track, a gymnastics centre, and upgraded swimming facilities.

The project to create the new Medway Park is being backed by Olympic and Paralympic medallists Steve Backley and Danny Crates, who were named Medway International Sporting Ambassadors earlier this year.