ALTRINCHAM FC are collaborating with The Gym Group in a bid to improve fitness levels off the pitch as well as on it.

In a welcome initiative towards the end of last season, The Gym threw open the doors of their Broadheath fitness centre to Alty’s players and coaching staff to try and ensure their Evo-Stik Northern Premier League title push stayed on track.

Alty were duly promoted as champions, and The Gym are now doing the same for club officials and supporters after chairman Grahame Rowley launched a sponsored fitness drive to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK.

"It’s a sponsored Get Fit, basically, and it just seemed a good opportunity to shake off the excesses of Christmas, as well as raise money for the Vanarama National League’s chosen charity,’ said Rowley.

"It is running until February 16, and The Gym kindly offered free passes for all entrants, meaning they can participate in all the classes there and really hone their fitness levels. We’re expecting to see some fine physical specimens by the end of it!

"One or two directors and other club officials are taking part, but it is open to anyone. We should all be a bit fitter for it, which is no bad thing, and it is supporting a very worthwhile cause, so if anyone would like to join in, they can contact the club on 0161 928 1045 for more details."