North West Leicestershire MP Andrew Bridgen was put through his paces when he visited the newly-refurbished Hood Park Leisure Centre in Ashby.

Following Prime Minister Boris Johnson's recent announcement that he wants to tackle obesity in the UK, Everyone Active and Mr Bridgen are encouraging people to get active at their local leisure centres.

Research has showed that people who are overweight are at an increased risk of death or severe illness from the coronavirus.

The Prime Minister is urging people to lose five pounds to reduce pressure on the NHS and lower the risk of dying with Covid-19.

On the back of the that, Mr Bridgen went for a workout at the Hood Park Leisure Centre, which is managed by sports and leisure operator Everyone Active in partnership with North West Leicestershire District Council.

Mr Bridgen said, "I think we've all got to take responsibility to protect ourselves from the COVID virus for our own health and wellbeing so we're not a burden on the NHS. The best way to do that is by keeping yourself fit and healthy.

"The centre has been a huge investment for North West Leicestershire Council and Everyone Active has been working hard to make sure Hood Park Leisure Centre is a safe environment for all.

"The facilities here are world class and I would encourage the community to start using them again.

"You can improve your health, improve your fitness and improve your quality of life.

"That's part of the job of North West Leicestershire Council and that's what Hood Park Leisure Centre is here for."

The leisure centre reopened its gyms and exercise studios on 25 July after being closed for over four months due to the pandemic.

Everyone Active has been working hard to ensure that Hood Park Leisure Centre provides a safe environment for all and cleaning measures meet the COVID 19 Public Health England guidance.

Everyone Active's contract manager Duncan Gibb said, "We're so pleased to have welcomed the community back after a long four months.

"Ensuring we maintain a safe environment for our colleagues and customers is our number one priority and we have carefully considered the strict measurements to ensure we adhere to the guidance.

"After a successful reopening last month, we hope the community continue to use the centre to stay active and healthy during the pandemic."