A WORKOUT for old, young, fit and not-so-fit was held in memory of a leisure centre worker who died earlier this year.

Staff at Spectrum Leisure Centre, in Willington, County Durham, wanted a special way to remember colleague and friend Janice Slack, 42, a receptionist who died of cancer in October.

They hit upon the unconventional idea of holding a Christmas mega workout, a one-and-a-half hour session of aerobics and circuit training, to raise money for Cancer Research.

Sponsorship forms were available to participants, who could alternatively pay £5 to take part in yesterday's event.

Fitness instructor Sue Carmedy, who organised the event, said she was pleased with the turn-out. One participant had managed to raise £130. Ms Carmedy said: "Janice was a good friend of ours and dedicated to keep-fit. She went to all the classes and was very fit and strong.

"Her husband wanted the money to go to Cancer Research, so we will donate all the proceeds to them."