ELITE sportspeople throughout the Bromsgrove district are being reminded that they can use the three council's sports centres for free.

Leisure chiefs in Bromsgrove have opened the doors of the Dolphin Centre in the town's School Drive, the Haybridge Sports Centre in Brake Lane, Hagley, and the Woodrush Sports Centre in Shawhurst Lane, Wythall, to talented athletes in a bid to help them achieve excellence.

Cheryl Holder, the council's sports development manager, said: "We want to help those people who shine in their chosen sport to reach the top and hope that by giving them free access to our sports centres we will do just that."

Sportsmen and women, boys and girls, who are up to county or national standard in their chosen activity, are able to use facilities, including the swimming pool, fitness room and indoor sports hall court space at the Dolphin Centre and the tennis courts and indoor sports hall at both Haybridge and Woodrush Centres, as well as the gym at Haybridge, during off peak times.

The Bromsgrove Free Access Scheme was launched last March and has been growing in popularity but still has space for new members.

To join, members must attend school or college, work or live within the district and currently compete at county, regional, national or international level in a Sport England recognised sport.

They must also be prepared to take part in council organised or sponsored promotion events during their membership and for two years afterwards, and, agree to become local "Sporting Ambassadors."

Anyone interested in joining the scheme should contact Cheryl, at The Council House, on 01527 881315.