Free Xmas access to Castle Centre for emergency services workers

This Christmas, Everyone Active – which runs Southwark Council's leisure centes – will open the doors to its facilities for free, to all members of the emergency services and frontline NHS staff.

From Christmas Eve to New Year's Eve, those who hold a valid emergency services ID card will be granted free-of-charge access to the gyms and swimming pools across all Everyone Active centres in the country, including 25 centres in and around London.

"Christmas is a special time of year, but many emergency service workers put in extra shifts and incredibly long hours to keep us safe and well," said Duncan Jefford, south east regional director for Everyone Active.

"With centres across London open early to late, we wanted to do something to show our appreciation. Whether they want to stop by for a hot shower, a swim in the pool or to let off some steam in the gym, we will welcome them through our doors."

The Castle Centre opened in 2016 at the Elephant & Castle.