FORMER Newcastle and England footballer Peter Beardsley has launched a campaign to recruit and train fitness instructors.
Mr Beardsley and former Sunderland player Kevin Ball are hoping to help plug a gap in qualified instructors in the region.
They have teamed up with South Tyneside company Absorb Training and Recruitment, which runs courses where students and those working in the leisure industry can gain qualifications.
It is also hoped the North-East's record as one of the worst areas in the country for obesity could benefit.
Mr Beardsley said: "It is not just professional sportspeople who benefit from the skills of qualified instructors, many people in general now want to try and keep fit."
Absorb managing director Joyce McIntyre said the courses could appeal to people out of work or those looking for a career change.
She said: "The fitness and leisure industry is one of the fastest expanding sectors in the North-East."
To enrol on a course, call 0191-489 0950.
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