HEALTH Secretary Alan Milburn took to a spinning machine yesterday to promote the benefits of keeping fit.

The Darlington MP was visiting Bannatyne's Health Club, in Darlington. He toured the £3m club to see the health and fitness choices it has to offer. He said: "Health clubs like Bannatyne Fitness are an excellent way for people to help themselves keep fit and healthy."

The club opened last May, creating 30 new jobs, and now has more than 2,000 members.

Owner Duncan Bannatyne said: "I was delighted to show the Health Secretary around and have the opportunity to talk to him about ways in which health clubs could be part of a national strategy to improve the fitness of the nation.