People are flocking to sign up at Clacton's Lifestyles Health and Fitness Club - despite the recession.

During March, 224 new members joined the club at Clacton Leisure Centre, which is run by Tendring District Council (TDC).

It was the most memberships sold during any one month since the facility opened at the end of 2007.

Pierre Oxley, Portfolio Holder for Leisure at TDC, said he was delighted that more and more residents across Tendring are choosing a healthier way of life.

"Lifestyles, set a new record in January when 185 people signed up but this latest figure is amazing and totally smashes the previous best," he said.

"This is particularly so when you consider the country is in the grips of a recession."

Cllr Oxley said the flagship £2.7million facility had proved very popular from day one.

"It just goes to show that if you provide the best then people will want to go there and make use of what's on offer," he added.

Lifestyles includes an 80-station fully air-conditioned fitness suite, dance and fitness studio, and new changing rooms. It also boasts a new health suite with spa pool, sauna, steam room and saunarium.

There is also a coffee shop run by the Council's partner, OJ's, which opened up last March.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the facilities at the site or who wants to sign up should call 01255 686669 or visit the Clacton Leisure Centre webpages.

2/4/09