Carlisle's Sands Centre will be throwing open its doors on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th February to mark the opening of its brand new fitness suite.

The Mayor of Carlisle, Councillor Mary Styth will cut the ribbon at 11am on Saturday along with Carlisle United Manager Greg Abbott.

Carlisle Leisure Limited, who manages The Sands Centre on behalf of Carlisle City Council, has made a significant investment in the new fitness suite which features brand new Star Trac equipment throughout. The gym now extends into the existing LifeStyle Reception Area and new training zones have been created utilising the full range of the new, top of the range equipment. Improvements to the air handling, lighting and decoration have also been carried out.

Over the course of the weekend there will be tours of the new gym and demonstration sessions of the new equipment all led by The Sands Centre's fitness team. Anybody who signs up on either day will receive a chance to win a free year's membership for themselves and a friend. Children are welcome too and will be entertained by The Sands' team while Mum or Dad take a look at the new gym or try out one of the free taster exercise to music classes, bookable on 01228 625222

A packed programme of activity is planned over the weekend and everyone attending will receive a free seven-day gym pass.

Tom Rice, Area Manager for Carlisle Leisure Limited, says: "It's been an exciting few months for us here at The Sands Centre, from being given the green light by our Board to carry out the refurbishment it's been fantastic being able to get out there and test out the very best equipment on the market with a view to providing our members with the very best possible kit for their workout.

"We selected Star Trac as our supplier as they provided some fantastic extra features such as touch screen TV's and iPod and iPhone compatibility. We are absolutely delighted with the new fitness suite and the feedback so far from our customers has been fantastic. They are all very impressed and we are delighted to be able to provide such a first class facility for the people of Carlisle."