Armed forces personnel from the Isle of Man are to be allowed free use of the Fitness Zone gym and swimming pool at the National Sports Centre (NSC) while home on leave.

The Department of Education and Children is making the offer to members of the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force in response to a suggestion from a serving Manxwoman.

Corporal Laura Quilliam is based at the Recruit Training Squadron at RAF Halton and is an instructor, taking recruits through basic training.

She tweeted the Department to say: ‘It is essential for members of all three services to remain operationally effective and part of that includes maintaining a good level of physical fitness. Use of government-funded gym facilities would enable this.’

Graham Cregeen MHK, Minister for Education and Children, said: ‘We owe a debt of gratitude to our local men and women who are serving in the Armed Forces and we are pleased to adopt Corporal Quilliam’s suggestion and offer all full-time serving personnel who are from the Island free use of our fitness facilities when home.’

Corporal Quilliam said: ‘This is such a fantastic initiative that supports our armed forces. It's great to have the backing of the Isle of Man Government and I’m sure military personnel will be grateful.’

Personnel will be required to show their military ID cards at the NSC reception to obtain free admission.

Meanwhile, Army reservists resident in the Island will be given a 30% discount on annual memberships of the NSC.

That initiative is jointly funded by the DEC and the Army Reserve Isle of Man.