GYM bosses have lowered the age limit for users to just 12 in a bid to tackle child obesity.

Inverclyde Leisure (IL) have reduced the minimum age for entry to fitness centres across the district to help youngsters lose weight and keep fit and healthy.

Previously 12 and 13-year-olds had to be accompanied by a parent or guardian when using the gym and could only use equipment on their own from the age of 14, while 16 was the minimum age for group fitness classes.

But now the rules have changed to try and get the area’s young people exercising earlier.

The scheme was launched at Gourock Fitness Gym recently with the help of pupils from Notre Dame High in Greenock.

Andrew Hetherington, IL operations manager for sports facilities and fitness gyms, said: “We would like to break down the barriers to young people getting into regular exercise and leading healthy lifestyles.

“Alongside the age limit for most group fitness classes being lowered to just 14 years, we hope that this will encourage children to think about the benefits of keeping active and having fun at the same time.” The initiative has been rolled out across all IL fitness suites and it also has the backing of the Inverclyde Active Schools team, who work with young people in schools throughout the district.

Gillian Hughes, senior Active Schools co-ordinator, said: “It’s a great idea to get young people engaged in being fit, especially during the summer holidays for those who are not involved in clubs or extra-curricular activities.” The scheme is also a hit with pupils from Notre Dame.

S3 student Kara McKay, 14, said: “It means young people have a choice to get involved and get fit.

“It’s a really good idea.” Classmate Josh Lafferty, 13, says he will now take advantage of the lower age limit to keep active.

He said: “I use the gym and it would be brilliant to see more young people there because it gets even more people exercising.”