Hucknall Leisure Centre is set to open as a warm bank this winter, it has been announced.

The leisure centre on Linby Road which is run by award-winning operator Everyone Active in partnership with Ashfield District Council, will offer a safe place for the local community during the colder months. 

Kirkby Leisure Centre and Lammas Leisure Centre in Sutton will also provide the same service.

The warm banks will be open in the health hubs in each centre during specific days and times.

Hucknall's warm bank will be open on Tuesdays from 1:30pm until 3pm. Lammas' will be at the same time but on Wednesdays, whilst Kirkby's will be on Mondays from 10:30am until 12 noon.

The scheme starts next week (Monday 5 December) and will continue over the coming months.

With the cost of living crisis becoming ever more prevalent, the initiative is encouraging community sites to support those struggling with the expense of heating their homes. 

The centres will be open to everyone, free of charge, so individuals do not have to be an Everyone Active member to take advantage of the warm space.  

At all three sites, there is also no need to pre-book.

Lorenzo Clark, Everyone Active's contract manager, said: "We know this winter could be difficult for many people, so we want everyone to know they have a safe and warm place to visit. 

"We have a community feel at our leisure centres and we want to invite people to come down and make the most of the space, not only to stay warm, but to socialise with friends or use as a co-working area.  

"It's a free-of-charge offer to just come in and spend time with us, safe and warm."