ALL MEMBERS of the emergency services and front line NHS colleagues in East Hampshire are being invited to get active for free this Christmas.

The gesture is being made by leisure operator Everyone Active.

In a statement the firm said the give away is in “recognition of the hard work the emergency services carry out particularly over the Christmas period”, when they are “working long and unsociable hours away from family and friends”.

From Monday, December 23 to Tuesday, December 31, all those who hold a valid Emergency Services ID card will be granted free-of-charge access to the gyms and swimming pools at Everyone Active’s centres open during this time.

Alton Sports Centre, Mill Chase Leisure Centre and Taro Leisure Centre are all participating.

David Bibby, managing director at Everyone Active, said: “We respect the hard work Emergency Services and NHS colleagues carry out all year round to protect the health and well being of local communities.

“At Christmas, many colleagues will work especially long hours and additional shifts to keep us all safe and well.

“This initiative is our way of showing our appreciation for the invaluable work they do.”

Anyone visiting over the festive period is advised to check opening hours on Everyone Active’s website.