YMCA Fitness Industry Training (YMCAfit) is to expand into the north of England, following a merger with the health and fitness units of Professional Fitness and Education (PFE).

Leeds-based PFE will now become part of YMCAfit and operate under the YMCAfit name.

YMCAfit will keep all 13 PFE staff, including Christine North-Minchella - the owner of the PFE brand.

North-Minchella will take the role of YMCAfit Regional Manager for the North of England while all PFE students will become YMCAfit students.

Denise Page, director of YMCAfit, said: "YMCAfit and PFE have enjoyed a longstanding relationship and the merger will hugely enhance the services we can offer in the North of England.

"As well as expanding PFE's profile and reach this will enable PFE students to take advantage of a whole host of additional YMCAfit courses. We particularly value the local expertise which PFE tutors can bring and believe there's a real synergy between our two organisations."

YMCAfit is part of health and education charity Central YMCA.

Image: Denise Page