The Bannatyne Group has bought Virgin Active Humberston, with members and staff to transfer over at the end of the month.

The acquisition is the Bannatyne Group's second since June, when it purchased Weybridge Health Club and Spa in Surrey.

Since being launched by Duncan Bannatyne in December 1996, the company's health club portfolio has grown to 69, with more than 200,000 active members.

In letters sent to its members, Virgin Active said it was concentrating on its city locations, according to the Grimsby Telegraph. Of Virgin's 45 UK clubs, 33 are in London.

“We can confirm that the sale of Virgin Active Humberston to Bannatyne Health Clubs is effective from 31 August 2017,” said a spokesperson for Virgin Active. “All current members will automatically be transferred to Bannatyne Health Clubs, and all current staff will become their direct employees.

“We can’t thank our members and colleagues enough for their contribution to Virgin Active over the past six years. We currently operate 45 clubs in the UK and are continuing to invest in the entire portfolio to ensure our members enjoy spending time in our clubs.”