BURY Council has laid down a Commit to Get Fit challenge to local people, promoting the annual event as possibly the best move they could ever make.

Council-run Images Gym centres at Castle Leisure Centre and Radcliffe Pool have joined forces to boost interest in Commit to Get Fit, Europe's biggest fitness campaign.

Television presenter Sue Barker has taken time out from her coverage of Wimbledon to launch this year's initiative which is organised by the Fitness Industry Association and sponsored by BUPA.

A host of sporting personalities have been lined up to support the former tennis ace.

Councillor Warren Flood, Bury's sports spokesman, said: "It is estimated that as many as 50,000 people around the UK will take up this year's challenge to feel good with Commit to Get Fit. We want to see as many as possible of those coming from Bury. This is a six-week campaign, launched at the start of July, and hundreds of leisure centres and health clubs are getting involved.

"Images Gym has gained a growing reputation and membership, so it is only fitting that it should lead the drive locally."

Although based around Images this year, participants are being encouraged to aim for a number of short-term goals as part of Commit to Get Fit. A qualified instructor will prepare a personal programme to meet individual needs with the aim of not just getting fit but making them feel good too.

Activities can range from a swim and sauna to badminton or aerobic sessions such as body pump or spinning.

Packages including a free tee-shirt, magazine and vouchers worth up to £40 have been prepared as part of the campaign.

For further details and information on how to get involved are available from Castle Leisure Centre on (0161) 253 6513 or Radcliffe Pool on (0161) 253 7814.

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