On of the country’s leading gym operators is opening a new branch in Southend.

To the delight of fitness fans, The Gym Group is coming to the London Road retail park.

Known for its 24/7 gyms and cheap membership fees The Gym Group's nearest current branches are in Strood, Chelmsford, and Dartford with more than 170 across the country.

Launching on a to-be-announced date in September, gym goers can sign up for unlimited access for £10 a month for the first six months and £15 from then onwards.

Membership includes access to fitness classes such as high intensity interval training and spin classes.

Within easy walking distance to University of Essex Southend Campus, and close to Southend Victoria Train Station, the new site will also boast two hours of free parking for users.

Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Gym Group described itself as “welcoming, inclusive and with all the equipment you could ever need”.

A spokesperson for the Gym Group added: “Whether you’ve been going to the gym for years or you’re a first timer, we’ve got plenty of weights and cardio machines, plus open space for functional training and stretching. Lots of free classes too!”