HYNDBURN Leisure has announced it will continue the free use of its two centres for all serving military personnel for the coming year.

It chose Armed Forces Week to extend the concession which is part-funded by the borough council.

All serving military personnel will continue to be able to use the Hyndburn and Mercer Hall Leisure Centre free for the next 12 months.

Hyndburn Leisure staff have also organised and participated in other events connected with the week and Saturday's Armed Forces Day celebrations.

One employee Edward Harkness, a swimming teacher and army reservist. took part in the Big Battlefield Bike Ride for the Help for Heroes charity from June 9 to June 15.

He raised £2,700 by cycling 350 miles in five days, from Cherbourg to Paris several historic Second World War sites. He will continuing his fundraising efforts for Help for Heroes with a Zumbathon on Saturday July 27.

Lyndsey Sims, Chief Executive of Hyndburn Leisure said, “It’s great to be able to share this fantastic news so close to Armed Forces Day. Showing support for the Armed Forces provides a much valued morale boost for the troops and their families”

Cllr Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn Council, said, “Armed Forces Week is our chance to celebrate and thank our armed forces past and present and show our support for all they do to protect us and keep the country safe. So we’re happy to be able show our appreciation and support by providing free use of leisure facilities at Hyndburn and Mercer Hall Leisure Centre for all serving Armed Forces Personnel.”