A SPORTS centre is opening its doors an hour-and-a-half earlier.

Belle Vue Leisure Centre, in Consett, is now open to the public from 6.30am on weekday mornings.

All areas of the facility will be open to the public including the Lifestyle Fitness Gym.

The centre is also introducing a number of new ‘early bird’ classes, include Fit 2 Run every Monday from 6.30am to 7am from November 12 aimed at beginner runners and those more advanced. Michael Clemitson, facilities manager for the centre, said: “We’ve introduced new early morning opening times at Belle Vue Leisure Centre in response to customer feedback.

“It gives people the opportunity to take part in a class, workout in the Fitness Suite or even have a game of squash before heading off to work.

“It will enable our customers to fit exercise into their busy schedules and feel refreshed and prepared for their day ahead.”

Early morning spinning classes will also take place from 7am to 7.45am every Tuesday and Wednesday from November 27, and every Friday from 6.30am from November 9.