FRONTLINE NHS staff are invited to claim a free month's membership at two Dorset leisure centres to say thank you for all their hard work during the pandemic.

Everyone Active is inviting frontline NHS staff to claim the membership at Weymouth Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre and Blandford Leisure Centre from the point they are allowed to reopen after lockdown.

The initiative forms part of the operator's pledge to celebrate the efforts of the 'lockdown legends' in the local community.

In addition to giving free access to NHS workers, Everyone Active has launched a competition inviting people to nominate someone that has gone above and beyond to support their local community during the pandemic.

Nominations can include both adults and children under the age of 11. One adult and one child will be chosen as winners. The adult winner will receive a year's free membership and the child will receive a year's worth of free swimming lessons.

David Bibby, managing director at Everyone Active, said: "This pandemic has been incredibly tough on us all and our NHS has proven more valuable than ever.

"The sheer dedication NHS colleagues have shown is incredibly admirable and we wanted to show our appreciation for them in any way we can.

"There is also lots of other people supporting their local community that may have gone unnoticed.

"We're really looking forward to hearing about the inspiring people from our Lockdown Legends campaign, sharing their stories and showing out appreciation for them too.

"Please make sure you nominate your Lockdown Legend and highlight all the amazing people that are helping us get through this pandemic."

Every nomination will be reviewed and they will be shortlisted to 10 finalists - five adults and five children. A panel of ambassadors and colleagues from Everyone Active will choose one winner from each category.

All nominees will receive a week free pass to Everyone Active and all nominators will receive a free day pass.

All NHS colleagues and Lockdown Legends entrants/nominees will be required to provide proof of employment, fill in health and safety forms and complete an online induction before being granted their free access.

For more information on the initiative, visit www.everyoneactive.com/promotion/lockdown-legends/