GAZETTE & HERALD: TEENAGER Lillie Griffin, who was turned away from an aerobics class because she was too young, has called for leisure centres to "shape up" to the demands of youngsters.

Lillie, 14, of Swindon Road, Langley Burrell, and a friend were turned away from the Olympiad Leisure Centre in Chippenham when they asked to join a weekend aerobics or Pilates class.

They were told they needed to be at least 18 years old before they could take part in activities other than table tennis, swimming or badminton.

Now Lillie has written to the Gazette, calling on leisure centres to relax their rules to allow children and teenagers to take part in all public fitness programmes.

"Child obesity is a growing problem. But what do local leisure centres do to help?" she wrote.

"I think it's time for sports centres and leisure centres to shape up and help keep children and teenagers healthy."

She felt teachers, parents and the Government were constantly worrying about youngsters' health, but there seemed to be little for people her age to do if they wanted to make changes to their lifestyle.

Lillie takes part in sports clubs at Sheldon School where she is a pupil. But she wanted to do more in her free time, particularly on winter evenings when it is dark and cold.

Paul Astley, a manager at the Olympiad, is well aware of the limited access faced by young people.

He said the problems arose because youngsters need more attention.

He added that other young people were demanding more activities and the Olympiad was planning to expand the availability of classes and equipment for teenagers.

Alterations to the gym and other Olympiad facilities should be taking place later this year.