GET FIT FOR 05: IT is not just the Adver encouraging people to Get Fit for 2005 now Swindon Council is having a go too.

The council has launched a television advertising campaign for the first time ever to get more people into its gyms.

The £6,000 deal for 17 adverts including some prime spots such as the Emmerdale commercial break is the biggest single advertising deal the council has had for its leisure services.

Coun Justin Tomlinson, lead member for Swindon Services, explained the council's decision.

"It is the first time they have tried TV advertising but they got a fantastic deal," he said.

"It appeared to be offering the best value for money."

He added that the council's leisure services was the one area where the authority competed with the private sector and so marketing was necessary to attract customers.

Bill Fisher, assistant chief officer at Swindon Services, said that the offer from ITV came at the right time for the council.

"On of the big tempters is that there is a January-February market, almost a New Year's resolution market," he said.

"If we don't put our offer out there at that time people will go somewhere else.

"Also it is putting Swindon on the map."

He added that the adverts would reach a wider audience than just Swindon and so could attract people in to use the leisure services from surrounding areas.

The council got 17 adverts each one 20 seconds long for around £6,000.

Seven of the adverts are on during peak hours and 10 non-peak hours during an 11 day period, which started last Friday.

They are being shown on Central South and some on HTV.

They advertise a New Year leisure passport offer, which gives unlimited access to the council's leisure facilities for one month for £25 pounds.

This is designed as a trial for an X-Training Passport, which fitness fans can then sign up to for a whole year, paying £27 a month (£324 for the whole year).

The passport covers gyms, classes, swimming, ice skating, athletics track, climbing wall and more.

l Meanwhile the council is also encouraging older people to take up new t'ai chi lessons.

The classes, at the Lifestyle Centre, will also benefit those suffering with arthritis, diabetes, stress and breathing difficulties.

The course of classes will be suitable for complete beginners and begin on Thursday, February 3, between noon and 1pm at the County Ground Lifestyle Centre.

For more information contact Carole Jones on 01793 514401.