A west country gym’s new sugar sin bin has inspired more than 100 members to dump their sweet treats and seek nutritional advice on how to live a healthier lifestyle.

Staff at theclub at Cadbury House in Congresbury, Somerset decided to launch the amnesty in February on the back of a nationwide media backlash against sugar.

In Britain, research shows that the average person consumes about 700g of sugar a week which is the equivalent to 140 teaspoons. Further studies have concluded that added sugar in food and drink is 11 times more potent at causing diabetes than general calories, sparking calls for a crackdown on junk food.

In Congresbury, gym staff installed the sugar sin bin at the front of the gym and encouraged members to dispose of their unwanted (or unneeded) snack, in return receiving a healthy living advice pamphlet written by the club’s fitness manager and nutrition graduate Tom Horton. They were also allocated a one-to-one consultation session, where a staff member would talk through dietary plans and offer alternative lifestyle suggestions.

Take up, the gym says, has been staggering.

“We’ve had a terrific response, with over a 100 people taking up our offer,” general manager Jason Eaton told Health Club Management. “I think the negative headlines made people more aware of the dangers of sugar, and then we were well-placed to help members evaluate their diet and lifestyle.

“We’ll definitely persevere with the sin bin given its success. We’re a family club, so it’s as much about setting an example to children as it is for the adults.”

As for the haul of sweet treats – a combination of leftover Christmas goodies and pre-lent submission – this was donated to South West Hospice, a local charity that provides care and support to life-limited children.