New fitness goals for Shelly and colleagues

Shelly, who has won three Paralympic medals including silver in the wheelchair marathon at the London Paralympics, has gained a level two fitness instructor qualification allowing her to pursue a career in the health and fitness industry.

She already supports a number of health and fitness programmes and this qualification is the next step towards becoming a fitness professional.

The training opportunities have been provided in partnership with FLM training.

Six apprentices have also gained diplomas that enable them to help customers in the leisure centres.

Other staff have also been training to complete diplomas in leisure management and instructing exercise and fitness.

Leisure chiefs hope the qualifications will help staff offer a better service to residents wanting to improve their health.

Coun Graham Cain, cabinet secretary for Blackpool Council, said: “Not only are these qualifications an investment in the leisure centre, but they are also an investment in the staff who work there.

“Recent upgrades at our leisure centres mean we have some of the best exercise equipment in the country so it’s really important that our fitness instructors are just as good too.

“The staff have put a lot of time and effort into their qualifications and have worked really hard in order to make sure they offer visitors to the leisure centre the best expertise possible.”