A PENSIONER in his 90s has inspired the leisure centre he regularly visits to offer free membership to fellow nonagenarians.

Fitness fanatic Wilfred Potter, 91, goes to Selwyn Jones Sports Centre in Newton-le-Willows twice a week, where he manages to swim 16 lengths of the swimming pool.

Having been a member for more than seven years, Wilf, from Golborne, asked on the off chance if there were any offers for senior citizens in his age category when renewing his membership in April.

Although there was nothing in place Wilf’s enquiry got leisure centre staff thinking and led to the introduction of free honorary memberships for residents aged 90-plus.

Wilf was invited to the Go Active leisure centre last Friday, where Cllrs Sue Murphy and Gill Neal were on hand to present him with his membership.

Cllr Murphy, cabinet member for leisure services at St Helens Council, said: “First of all I would like to thank Wilf for his fantastic suggestion, which I am delighted to see has come to fruition.

“Not everyone Wilf’s age has the independence to go out and enjoy some leisure time, but if there are people out there we should absolutely encourage them to get out of the house to meet and talk to other people while getting fit and active at the same time."

Cllr Neal, cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, added: "Wilf is an inspiration and I take my hat off to him for his enthusiasm for exercise at the age of 91.

“Exercise is obviously one of the key components to living a healthy lifestyle and Wilf is a wonderful example that you shouldn’t allow your age to get in the way of keeping active.”

Any residents interested in becoming an honorary member can visit or call their nearest Go Active leisure centre for more details.

Proof of age will be required.