A SPECIAL guest of honour officially opened three new studios at the Abbey Stadium on Saturday as part of a fitness event.

Stuart Greenwood was chosen to cut the ribbon alongside dignitaries, visitors, staff, on the £380,000 development after a plea went out for residents to nominate a worthy applicant.

In his speech, Mr Greenwood, said he had been in the military and when he left his fitness deteriorated, he took up training at the Abbey Stadium and began running.

He then took to coaching inspiring others to run but in 2016, one of the main arteries to his heart split and he had life saving surgery, with doctors telling him, if he had not been so fit, he would not have survived.

Mr Greenwood thanked the Abbey Stadium for helping him back to fitness on both occasions and he continues to coach and inspire others.

Competition runners up were fitness instructor Sam Bevan, who has been a driving force to improve Abbey Stadium's facilities and Emma Land, who through determination transformed her body at the Abbey Stadium, and has since contended in two Miss Galaxy Universe competitions.

As part of the 'Tryanuary' event, more than 400 people attended free classes, took part in gym challenges and enjoyed free swims.

Visitors took part in twelve different classes in the new studios, including body combat with top UK Les Mills trainer Phil Harrison.

£75 was also raised for a Multiple Sclerosis (MS) community group by visitors completing three different gym challenges, which included 1000m row, front raise hold with weights and a pyramid challenge.

Visitors also took tours of the new studios and the facilities.

Cllr Pat Witherspoon, whose portfolio covers leisure services, said: "Walking around the Abbey Stadium on Saturday (January 14) was really inspiring. It really showed how inclusive our facility is with people of all shapes, sizes and ages attending and taking part – but most of all, having fun."

Scott Brinkworth, operations manager at the Abbey Stadium, added: "It was our best launch day yet and we’d like to thank everyone for attending. "We’re very proud of what our facility has to offer, not just with the new studios but also with the service and care we provide for our members, whether they are new to exercise or seasoned pros."

For more information contact the Abbey Stadium on 01527 60206.