A GYM provider which runs council-owned facilities across the town is offering free sessions to NHS staff later this month.

Everyone Active has invited all members of the emergency services and front NHS colleagues in Taunton to get moving this Christmas.

The goodwill gesture is being made in recognition of the hard work the emergency services carry out, especially over the Christmas period working long and unsociable hours away from friends and families.

From December 23 - 31, workers who hold a valid emergency services ID card will be granted free-of-charge access to gyms and swimming pools at Blackbrook Leisure Centre and Spa, Taunton Pool, Wellsprings Leisure Centre, and Wellington Sports Centre.

Blackbrook Spa will be offering free thermal spa access during this time while Vivary Golf & Adventure Centre will be offering a free round of golf.

Anyone wanting to visit an Everyone Active centre over the Christmas period is advised to check its opening hours by visiting www.everyoneactive.com/centre/because times will vary.

David Bibby, managing director at Everyone Active, said: “We respect the hard work Emergency Services and NHS colleagues carry out to all year round to protect the health and wellbeing of local communities. At Christmas, many colleagues will work especially long hours and additional shifts to keep us all safe and well. This initiative is our way of showing our appreciation for the invaluable work they do.”

All Emergency Services and NHS colleagues will be required to fill in the necessary Health & Safety forms and complete an online induction before being granted free and unlimited access to the centres over the festive period.

For more details about free access, visit www.everyoneactive.com/ourgift