FREE use of Blackburn with Darwen’s leisure facilities has been extended to all adults in the borough.

The free scheme had only been available for the over 50s and 16 to 24-year-olds until now.

People wishing to take advantage of the scheme need to register for a beeZ card.

Now a series of roadshows are being held around Blackburn and Darwen to show people how they can make the most of the free leisure scheme.

Anyone who lives, works, is in full-time education or whose GP practice is in Blackburn with Darwen is eligible.

Coun Michael Law-Riding said: “I’m delighted we will be able to offer free leisure to everyone in the borough and show our residents that their health and wellbeing is one of our top priorities.

“Re:fresh is a bold and innov-ative scheme and Blackburn with Darwen is the first authority in the country to offer this so I hope everyone will make the most of this opportunity.”

The free leisure scheme was introduced in March 2008 in a bid to tackle the borough’s poor health.

All the council’s leisure facilities were included, apart from football pitches and the Regency gyms at the Waves centre and Darwen Vale.

Council bosses said it would cost them £6million over the first three years.