A MAJOR health firm has pledged to invest £45,000 in a college’s gym facilities over the next five years and encourage students to be more active.

Nuffield Health is taking over the management of Seevic College’s gym, in Runnymede Chase, Thundersley.

Principal Nick Spenceley said the existing facilities were “rather tired and rundown”, but it had been “transformed” by the team at Nuffield Heath over the summer.

The college will now work in partnership with the health firm to get students fit and keep them  active.

Mr Spenceley said: “I think it’s a fabulous facility that will benefit both the students, staff and the local community, and since I want the college to be more of a community college, it fits that vision as well.

“The improvements we make together will enable us to offer a great timetable of fitness classes, access to the best equipment and the opportunity to work with experts in health and fitness.

“We are confident this partnership will strengthen the way we deliver our curriculum and will encourage our students to find other ways to build confidence, make friends and thrive in education.

This is a really exciting opportunity.”

Chris Koffman, business development director of Nuffield Health, said: “We are extremely pleased to be working with Nick Spenceley and the team at Seevic College.

“The college provides an invaluable service to its students and residents through its gym and we are keen to strengthen these relationships by providing new up todate equipment, a busy class timetable and expert support.

“We are confident our expertise will help teachers to promote practical and engaging curriculum learning, and enhance the service currently provided.”

The newly-refurbished gym offers free health checks, a comprehensive 60-minute assessment based on a series of measurements that determine body mass index, resting heart rate, cholesterol, aerobic fitness and other health indicators. Memberships will be available to Seevic students and the public on a monthly and yearly basis.

Student memberships start at £16, public memberships at £24.50.

Formore information call Lucy Hammerton on 01268 756111 or e-mail info@seevic-college.ac.uk