LEISURE group Fitness First has unveiled expansion plans, creating up to 700 UK jobs in the process.

Fitness First said it intended to open 55 clubs in the UK and abroad, taking the total to 280. The move, which will be partly funded by a £75m share placing, will create more than 2,200 jobs with 700 in the UK.

Chief executive Mike Balfour said: "With Fitness First's model of high quality and value for money fitness clubs, we are well placed to develop further our market position on an international scale."

The group, based in Dorset, has clubs across the UK, including one in Eaglescliffe.

Just over a year ago it bought 11 clubs in Australia and it now has operations in Germany, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, France and the Far East.

The group saw membership rise from 237,000 to 440,000 during the year to October 31. It increased its number of health clubs from 115 to 200.

Turnover rose 104 per cent to £133.1m and pre-tax profits rose 38 per cent to £18.1m.

Mr Balfour said: "The prospects for the group are extremely attractive, especially given the growing trend of people wishing to improve their lifestyles and achieve a healthier life through regular exercise."