The Sands Centre in Carlisle has been accredited by the Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI), following the introduction of a number of measures designed to make the centre more accessible to people with disabilities.

The facility, which is managed on behalf of Carlisle City Council by leisure trust, Carlisle Leisure (CLL), submitted an application for partnership funding to the IFI in August 2005 and a grant of almost £19,000 was approved.

The funding has helped pay for the purchase of new equipment as well as providing for the training of all front of house staff and fitness instructors and the appointment of an IFI Activator who will be responsible for promoting the new equipment to potential new users.

Alan Quayle, health and fitness manager at the Sands Centre, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded IFI status. Our instructors and front of house staff are now very well equipped to be able to support our disabled users and help them get the most out of their time in the gym.”

Jim Douglas, managing director of Carlisle Leisure, added: “It is undoubtedly a great achievement for The Sands, Carlisle Leisure and Carlisle City Council that we have been able to achieve this accreditation and is a testimony to our continuing working partnership with Carlisle City Council.

“The cost of the improvements to The Sands lies outside the project costs but we are delighted that 50 per cent will be contributed by Carlisle City Council.” Details: www.carlisleleisure.co.uk