A specialist leisure centre has been shortlisted for a National Fitness Award thanks to its work with both disabled and non-disabled users.

Aspire Leisure Centre, in Stanmore, is up for the Best Rehabilitation Facility at the annual event, which recognises achievements in gyms across the UK.

The centre, which is the first fully-integrated leisure facility in Europe for disabled and non-disabled people, has a number of features which cater for excellent rehabilitation.

These include a four-lane 25m swimming pool with recently refurbished changing rooms and ramped access – one of only two places in the country to have this.

There are also a selection of pool wheelchairs, walking frames and a track hoist available.

In addition to the pool, facilities include a dance studio, meeting and training room, café, and fully inclusive fitness studio.

Dean Tearle, manager at Aspire, said the nomination was a testament to the efforts of everyone involved at the centre.

“This is excellent news. The team work so hard to provide such a great service which makes a real difference to our customers’ lives.”

The centre will now have to impress a member of the awards team with a first-hand showcase of its work.

The final awards ceremony takes place on December 1 at The Athena in Leicester.