A GYM is offering Gazette readers free use of its facilities – in exchange for donations to the Haiti earthquake appeal.

Fitness First, in Petrolea Close, Colchester, is hoping to raise at least £1,000 for the relief effort.

Collection buckets will be placed in the gym next weekend, with sessions offered in exchange for a donation of any size.

Dave Bond, a professional trainer at Fitness First, said the upsetting images of suffering in Haiti had spurred him to use the gym to try to raise some money.

He said: “If we can do anything to help them at all, then we will.

“We hope to push for a £1,000 to donate to the relief effort. The new year is, typically, the busiest time for gyms everywhere, with many people looking to improve their health and fitness.

“This year, however, the snow stopped many people getting to the gym.

“This is a great opportunity for people to help those in need, while learning techniques and exercises which will benefit them personally, now and for years to come”.

The free sessions start on Friday, at 5pm and run until Sunday, January 31, at 7pm.

Anyone making a donation will be able to claim a one-day membership, entitling them to use gym’s facilities.

Colchester United Ladies football team will be also be lending their support, by visiting the gym on Saturday and rattling collection buckets in an effort to get a little extra cash International aid agencies and governments across the world are helping with the relief effort, with UK charity efforts being co-ordinated by the Disasters Emergency Committee.