A new £1 million leisure centre has opened for business and is already boasting healthy membership numbers.

LA Fitness said it's delighted with how its new site in Radford Way, Billericay, is shaping up.

Managing directors from head office officially opened its new swimming pool, gym and steam room before the first 'power-pump' class got under way.

More than 30 new members lost a few hundred calories in the weight resistance class.

Membership manager, Ollie Berquez, said: "We're really pleased we came to Billericay.

"With over 800 people signed up already, the membership has been going really well."

The club boasts five-star changing facilities.

It also has sunbeds, a creche and offers one-to-one fitness assessments.

New members - from left, Karen Keal, Jenny Turner and Sue Lycett get to work on the running machines, which are part of the new £1 million pound LA Fitness leisure centre

Picture: NICK ANSELL

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