Borders Sport and Leisure Trust (BSLT) has announced the launch of a new pilot initiative offering local teenage girls free gym access at its flagship TriFitness facility in Galashiels.

Based on the sportscotland and Youth Sport Trust-run Fit For Girls project, the trust aims to encourage girls between the ages of 11 and 16 to adopt more active lifestyles.

More than 400 young people from Galashiels Academy will receive exclusive access to the TriFitness facility every Saturday afternoon over an eight-week period.

TriFitness will open outside of normal operating hours on a Saturday afternoon as part of the initiative, with the girls to have access to the facilities between 2pm and 4pm.

An induction to all cardiovascular and resistance equipment and an activity programme that will be designed to meet individual needs forms part of the initiative.

BSLT marketing manager Emily McGowan said: "We know that there are many barriers to exercise for the 11-16 age group, including social pressures, not wanting to take part in mixed activities, and cost.

"We are hoping to convince the girls that getting more active is something fun that you can do with your mates."

Details: www.bslt.org.uk

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