A 91-YEAR-OLD fitness fanatic who is a regular visitor to the Selwyn Jones has inspired the leisure centre to offer free membership to fellow nonagenarians.

Wilfred Potter visits the Go Actve centre on Ashton Road in Newton-le-Willows twice a week where he manages to swim 16 lengths of the swimming pool.

Having been a member for more than seven years, Wilf, who spends his leisure time in Newton, went down to renew his membership in April and asked on the off chance if there were any offers for senior citizens in his age category.

Although there was nothing in place, Wilf’s enquiry got leisure centre staff thinking and led to the introduction of free honorary memberships for residents aged 90-plus.

Wilf was invited down to Selwyn Jones on Friday, July 14, where Cllrs Sue Murphy and Gill Neal were on hand to present him with his membership.

Cabinet member for leisure services Cllr Murphy said: “First of all I’d like to thank Wilf for his fantastic suggestion which I’m delighted to see has come to fruition.

“Not everyone Wilf’s age has the independence to go out and enjoy some leisure time, but if there are people out there - we should absolutely encourage them to get out of the house to come and meet and talk to other people, while getting fit and active at the same time."

Cllr Neal, who is cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, added: "Wilf is an inspiration and I take my hat off to him for his enthusiasm for exercise at the age of 91.

“Exercise is obviously one of the key components to living a healthy lifestyle and Wilf is a wonderful example that you shouldn’t allow your age to get in the way of keeping active.”

Any residents interested in becoming an 'honorary member’ can visit their local Go Active centre for more details or call 01744 671720 or 671726. Proof of age will be required.