BANNATYNE Fitness, the UK's largest independent health club operator, is planning an ambitious expansion across the UK.

And the North-East firm has appointed a new commercial director to mastermind its expansion.

Nigel Armstrong, from Darlington, will play an instrumental role in the development of the Bannatyne Fitness empire over the next year.

His promotion, from the post of financial controller, is proof of the company's commitment to promoting from within to ensure the its corporate philosophy is maintained.

The company now has 20 clubs open or being developed under the Bannatyne Health Club and Just Fitness banners.

New clubs in Ayr,Scotland, and Colchester are due to open at the end of this year. Further cities across the UK have been earmarked for clubs.

Nigel has been with Bannatyne Fitness from the company's inception in 1997. As financial controller he was involved in the opening, funding and operation of the fifteen health clubs opened by the company in the past four years.

Nigel will continue to be based at the company's head office in Cleveland Terrace, Darlington, from where he will have a greater input into the running of individual club operations and the structure of the company nationwide, as well as the opening of a further eight clubs next year.

Bannatyne Fitness has seen unprecedented growth over the past two years with clubs opening across England and Scotland.

Nigel said: "This company has grown at a tremendous rate over the past couple of years and I feel proud to have played a part in that development.

"This promotion is a great opportunity to play a larger part in the continued expansion of the company an its two health club brands."

Duncan Bannatyne, chairman of Bannatyne Fitness, said: "Nigel has been an integral part of the growth of Bannatyne Fitness and this promotion is a testament to his commitment to the company.

"I am always keen to promote from within the company as it ensures the Bannatyne Fitness philosophy is maintained at every level of the business."

Read more about Bannatyne's expansion in Saturday's Northern Echo.