PEOPLE flocked to a city gym after it took full advantage of the lockdown restrictions easing from midnight on Wednesday and hosted a two hour ‘body combatathon’ at 12:01am.

Perdiswell Leisure Centre in Bilford Road opened its doors at one minute past midnight on Wednesday and allowed members to use the facilities.

Worcester News:

Freedom Leisure contract manager Rob Tyler said: "We wanted to make a statement to show the community that we are here, we are starting strong and we are ready for them.

"We had about 30 people attend, 16 people came for our two hour body combat session, 5 used the gym facilities and about 8 people went swimming in the pool.

Worcester News:

"It just shows how desperate people have been to come back to the gym and get physical activity back into their daily lives. We have a really great loyal customer base here and we know how much they enjoy coming here. They have been desperate to come back in and see us.

"The opening went really well, just as we hoped it would it was great to see everyone enjoying themselves.

Worcester News:

"We took the plunge to open at midnight and it paid off, we have loads of sessions booked in for December. People have had enough of sitting inside now, they want to get out, they want to get fit and it is great to see. I reckon December will be busier than January this year!"

Worcester News:

Under a revised tier system, gyms are allowed to open in all tiers, while recreational sport, including golf, tennis and organised team sports can resume.

In Tier 2 - high level: Exercise classes and organised sport can continue to take place outdoors.

They are only permitted indoors if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with or share a support bubble with, or for youth or disability sport.