The measures will boost physical resilience and recovery from COVID-19 across all ages, abilities and backgrounds, along with people’s confidence, mental health and quality of life.

Older and vulnerable people in particular are being reassured that fitness venues and programmes are extremely safe and have the highest hygiene standards. Good health and fitness are especially important as the autumn and winter approaches and the UK continues to act against coronavirus.

Not-for-profit Burnley Leisure serves thousands of people with local recreational, sport, entertainment and cultural activities. It operates venues including St Peter’s Leisure Centre, Prairie Sports Village, Towneley Golf Course, Thompson Park Boathouse, Padiham Leisure Centre and Burnley Mechanics theatre.

Now it is offering more access to its swimming pools, gyms, fitness classes and sports pitches plus free personal training. It is also in the process of launching a new digital offering which is due to go live in late September.

Scott Bryce, area manager for Burnley Leisure, said: “Exercise is a medicine and Burnley Leisure is playing a leading role in helping the community combat the physical, mental and social impacts of coronavirus whilst also strengthening resilience to other illnesses and viruses.

“During the month of September, we will give new members three months of free additional membership. This means they will get 15 months’ access to our amenities, classes and pitches for the price of 12. Free personal trainer sessions are also offered.

“These latest measures will help make our health and activity classes even more accessible to everyone including people on lower incomes. It’s really important that everyone gets more active and forms good habits, whatever your income, age, ability or interest.

"We’ve got something for everyone. These are really important commitments by us to build a more active, healthy and happy community.”

The new Burnley Leisure digital offering will respond better to changing customer patterns in the new circumstances with timetable booking improvements, online workouts and wider information on its full range of local leisure and culture activities.

Burnley Leisure’s wellbeing activities for elderly and vulnerable residents, like all activities, feature the highest hygiene and COVID-secure arrangements while retaining a great atmosphere and friendly welcome.

Scott added: “Older and vulnerable people typically feel more anxious about COVID. However, they can be reassured that all our staff, facilities and activities follow the highest standards and best training. Older people must keep physically active, socially connected and confident so they can enjoy life under the new coronavirus situation. Our programmes will really help them in every way.”

Examples include the Up & Active programme which help people get more active and lose weight. Run by specially trained staff, participants are offered gym, pool and exercise class options, free weigh-in sessions, drop-in classes and weight management courses.

Burnley Leisure’s community focus makes it very different to purely commercial gyms. Its social responsibilities are illustrated in many ways including its wide range of support for local people during the national lockdown earlier this year.

All its venues were temporarily closed in the lockdown but many Burnley Leisure staff on ‘furlough’ status worked as volunteers to support the Burnley Together initiative. They helped make hundreds of essential goods deliveries via Burnley’s Foodbank and fitness staff continued supporting the community with free live online workouts, quizzes, recipes and support for diet, nutrition and mental health.

Now many venues have reopened in recent weeks with new COVID health and safety arrangements. Venues such as St Peter’s, The Prairie and Townley Golf Course are offering a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities for all tastes, ages and abilities.

Burnley Leisure announces new steps to make exercise easier for all