RESIDENTS are being given the opportunity to keep fit and raise cash for the victims of recent terror and tragedy in Manchester and London.

On Monday, July 3 all exercise and health classes at the St Peter’s Leisure Centre in Burnley and its Padiham equivalent will be free of charge.

Users will be asked to make a donation to the special funds set up to help those affected by the terrorist attacks at Westminster Bridge, London Bridge Finsbury Park and Manchester Arena as well as the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy.

The move by the Burnley Leisure Trust charity has been warmly welcomed by the towns’ Labour MP Julie Cooper and the leaders of the borough council’s Conservative and Liberal Democrat groups David Heginbotham and Gordon Birtwistle.

Under the scheme charges for all classes at St Peter’s Leisure Centre on Church Street and Padiham Leisure Centre on Park Road will be waived on July 3.

Instead, donations will being welcomed from all members and patrons with all proceeds going to the charitable funds.

Mrs Cooper said: “I think that this is an absolutely fantastic idea from Burnley Leisure and one which I am certain that the people of Burnley will wholeheartedly get behind

“I have been contacted by so many constituents who, like me, were appalled by these horrific events and are keen to know what they can do to help.

“I urge everyone to get behind this scheme.”

Scott Bryce, operations manager for Burnley Leisure, said: ‘In the gym sessions and during the classes, people have been talking about all these terrible incidents in the news.

“We wanted to do something that would give an opportunity for people to come together to raise some funds for those affected, and this felt like a good way of making use of our facilities.”

Cllr Birtwistle said: “This is a great idea.

“It is a way for the people of Burnley and Padiham to get fit and show they care.

"I shall be going along an I urge everyone else to do the same and give generously.”

Cllr Heginbotham said: “I think this is brilliant, it really shows how the people of the borough have compassion.

“This is a great way to help those who hace suffered in these recent tragic events.”

For more information visit www./burnleyleisure.co.uk/, call into the centres or call 01282 477222.