Everyone Active is encouraging a greater number of over 60s across Ashby and North West Leicestershire to become physically and mentally active, with the launch of its Age is Just a Number campaign.

Now in its third year, the campaign celebrates the senior demographic by showcasing their fitness stories and proving what can be achieved by staying active into later life.

It launched on Sunday, October 1 – which coincided with Silver Sunday, the national day for older people – and will run until Sunday, November 12.

Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre and Ashby Leisure Centre and Lido, run by Everyone Active in partnership with North West Leicestershire District Council, are encouraging the older generation to visit their local centre and enjoy the wide range of activities on offer.

Everyone Active supports older people to exercise across the country throughout the year, with regular dedicated senior activity sessions already seeing 18,000 attendances each month.

Whether it is for weight loss, recovery from injury, improved mobility, fitness or social reasons, there is so much that exercise can do to improve quality of life.

Jim Crotty, 84, is battling long Covid, but he has not let that stop him getting the most out of the fitness suite at Ashby Leisure Centre and Lido.

He said: "I don't look on myself as being an old man, but an inspiration to the others using the gym.

"I also thrive on the compliments from other users. It is more than a gym but a social event and a support for me.

"l fervently believe we all need to use a gym to give us the best possible chance for a long and healthy life.

"Don't delay and sign up today, I say. It strengthens the body and makes you mentally strong enough to cope with the problems life throws at you."

Duncan Gibb, Everyone Active's contract manager, said: "We are proud to offer our members a friendly and welcoming environment that motivates people of all ages to get active.

"Maintaining physical activity and keeping socially active is vitally important for older people in the local community.

"This campaign aims to inspire people to try a new activity or engage in simple exercises each week at home, helping people of all abilities discover the different ways they can enjoy exercise."

Councillor Michael Wyatt, Portfolio Holder for Community Services at the District Council, said: "Health and fitness is important whatever your age and people shouldn't let it stop them from doing activities they enjoy.

"This is a great campaign from Everyone Active which empowers people over 60 to celebrate their individual fitness stories and encourage others to do the same.

"Whilst the campaign is running, use this as an opportunity to find out what's available at your nearest leisure centre and enjoy what they have to offer."

With more than 220 centres across the country, Everyone Active offers activities for all ages, as well as specialised classes designed to appeal to older people.

Everyone Active members can sign up to find out more about activities at their local site and start their fitness journey with basic exercises to do at home or in-centre.

By signing up on the website, they will receive a beginner exercise guide and exclusive exercise videos each week.

You can see inspirational stories from older members across the country HERE.