A LEISURE centre which is the first in the country to use its members exercise efforts to generate electricity has won an award for its climate change credentials.

The Spectrum Leisure Centre, in Willington, County Durham, has been producing its own power since it installed ten pieces of exercise equipment last November.

The recumbent bikes, upright bikes and elliptical trainers can each create up to 2,000 watts an hour – contributing enough energy to power the centre’s reception and youth gym lights for four hours.

Its energy-saving efforts have not got gone unnoticed and it has won the Climate Change category at the County Durham Environmental Awards.

As well as the power-producing equipment, the leisure centre – which was saved from closure by a group of volunteers six years ago – has installed low-output LED lighting and is in the process of installing solar panels.

Yesterday, the gym took delivery of four new treadmills, which are 32 per cent more energy-efficient than their predecessors.

Even before their addition, the measures have already cut the Spectrum’s energy usage by about 35 per cent.

Ian Hirst, chief executive of the centre, said: “This award is recognition of our hard work over the past six years and is a testament to what we want to try to provide for our community.

“We are working with the latest technology to reduce our energy emission, which, while good for the environment, is also of value to our members.

“Utility bills are only ever increasing – if we can reduce ours then we have more money to invest in improving our facilities.”

Terry Collins, who chairs the County Durham Environment Partnership, said: “The Spectrum is a fantastic, forward- thinking and innovative gym which has come up trumps with a unique way to supply energy and reduce costs.

“It literally uses pedal power and other fitness equipment to turn the lights and heating on.

Not only does it help people stay fit but it is also environmentally responsible.

“Add to this the fact they are first gym in the country to commission innovative fitness equipment and have further plans for sustainability, such as solar panels, we had no hesitation in highlighting their commitment under our Climate Change category.”