INVERCLYDE Leisure’s Waterfront Fitness Gym has been declared UK Local Authority Gym of the year.

Staff from the Greenock gym received the award at a ceremony in Birmingham. The Waterfront triumphed over more than 500 nominations UK-wide. The gym came out top over other short-listed entrants Excel Health and Fitness, Chelmsford, The Fitness Village, Doncaster, Loddon Valley Leisure, Redding, Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre, Stowmarket and St Peter's Leisure Centre, Burnley.

The gym was inspected and judged by a panel of six health and fitness industry experts for the awards held by Work Out Magazine.

John Higgins, chief executive of Inverclyde Leisure, said: “This is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates the standards we are continually working hard to achieve for our customers. I personally thank staff for their continued effort in helping to achieve this prestigious award.”

David McCorkindale, general manager of Inverclyde Leisure, said: “It’s a great achievement for Inverclyde. We are grateful for the continued support of our staff and coaches who contribute so much within the company, delivering first-class facilities and service for our customers. I dedicate this award to all customers and members of our facilities and especially thank them for their continued commitment and support over the years.”

The gym has gone from strength to strength since opening in 2002 and has around 4,000 dedicated members, including cardiac rehab clients and a range of other user groups. Classes are offered ranging from Aqua Zumba, Kettlebells and Bodypump. Equipment is continually reviewed along with staff training to ensure the highest level of service possible.

David added: “We hope this will raise the profile of our gyms and help to encourage people to get more active more often and reduce obesity within the Inverclyde area.”

For more information contact on 01475 715788 or visit www.inverclydeleisure.com