SOUTH Shropshire Leisure Centre was transformed last year to provide state-of-the-art facilities, for families and fitness addicts. Mark Bowen talks to new manager Lee Hassan and marketing co-ordinator Nicky Adams about the its attractions.

KEEPING fit has never been such fun - that's the message from South Shropshire Leisure Centre in Ludlow's Bromfield Road. Since a major refurbishment last year, users have been able to experience vastly improved facilities.

The expanded fitness suite now has 49 exercise stations and the centre has a dance studio with a fully sprung floor. Healthy food can be enjoyed at the centre's revamped restaurant and visitors can also take advantage of the centre's steam room, sauna and jacuzzi.

They can even enjoy visual and audio entertainment while burning off calories. Four plasma screens sit proudly on the walls of the fitness suite, meaning users can watch television while exercising and music fans can tune into their favourite stations via headphones accessed through its collection of cardio-vascular equipment.

"People have barriers to exercise. The psychology of people is that they want to exercise but they usually put barriers in front of them such as not having the right attire or not having time," said Lee Hassan, who became the centre's manager last month but continues to manage the leisure centre in Cleobury Mortimer.

"Some people have the perception that gyms are full of people dressed in lycra but we encourage people to visit so they can see what really goes on."

"Woman can also be apprehensive about coming on their own," Nicky said. "But people can come and watch Coronation Street while they train, if they want to do that."

Lee and Nicky feel that the time is right for people to take the plunge and enjoy all that the centre has to offer - whether young, old, unfit, or over-weight.

"We are an all-embracing centre and welcome lots of different people," Lee said. "We have GP referrals who take advantage of what we have to offer, as well as people who just want to tone-up."

Nicky added: "To encourage people to join we have a special promotion for September. Anyone who joins then will get a month's free membership."

The new "contemporary look" restaurant overlooks the swimming pool and offers a variety of light meals and snacks - but no chips.

"The idea is to give people the whole package. People want to come and get fit and healthy eating complements this," Lee said.

An inclusive membership scheme has been introduced to encourage regular use. This provides unrestricted use of the new fitness centre, health suite, swimming pool, exercise classes and regular fitness reviews. The centre has 775 members who pay annually or monthly.

"It's great value for money when you take into account everything you get for it. Monthly membership only costs £29.99 per month and that's why we have so many members," Nicky said.

The option is still there for people who want to "pay as they play" and a session in the fitness suite for an adult costs £4.30.

The centre also host children's parties where up to 120 youngsters are able to enjoy the centre's swimming and diving pool and flume. A range of activities are available to help children enjoy the remainder of their summer holidays and information can be obtained on 01584 874620.

More details are at www.teme-leisure.co.uk and leaflets are available at the centre.