LEISURE centres in County Durham are offering people the chance to try their facilities for free.

New customers who visit Durham County Council leisure centres, from Monday, September 3 to Sunday, September 16, can pick up a free seven-day pass.

The free pass entitles the new customers to try out centres’ full leisure facilities, whether that be a gym, swimming pool or fitness classes.

Anyone attending a gym will be offered a free one-to-one appointment, to discuss fitness goals and be shown how to use the equipment.

Andy Brown, the council’s principal physical activity manager, said: “This free pass gives new customers, who may be a little apprehensive about joining a gym, a chance to try out the leisure centres and realise it’s not as scary as they think. It’s a great way to get started on your fitness journey.”

The free pass also includes access to the aqua fitness classes which run at some sites, including the popular aqua jump and aqua cycle.

To collect the free pass customers can visit their local leisure centre anytime throughout the fortnight.

The offer is available at the following leisure centres: Chester-le-Street Leisure Centre, Riverside Leisure Complex, Abbey Leisure Centre, Freeman’s Quay Leisure Centre, Meadowfield Leisure Centre, Spennymoor Leisure Centre, Woodhouse Close Leisure Complex, Shildon-Sunnydale Leisure Centre, Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre and Teesdale Leisure Centre.