A NEW state-of-the-art system will allow anyone who wants to keep fit to ZIP in and out of facilities owned by North Wiltshire Leisure Limited.

Members are to be given hi-tech ZIP cards to replace the company's existing passport scheme, membership cards and Advantage Cards.

The cards are similar to credit cards and use the same technology.

They show the member's name and membership number on the front, but have a host of other data invisibly stored.

When a member swipes the card on arrival at any of North Wiltshire Leisure's six centres, a computer will read the information on the card, which includes a photograph of the member along with information about their membership category.

This tells the computer how much to charge them depending on the category of their membership.

The cards all look identical, but the computerised information tells the receptionist if the customer in question is on benefit.

The new technology means that North Wiltshire Leisure can now take part in the Access To Leisure scheme, which is designed to include everyone in sport and leisure, whatever their situation.

Certain groups will be able to participate in leisure for as little as half the normal price, but the cards mean their privacy won't be compromised.

The person in front in the queue for the gym could be a millionaire company director or a single parent on benefit, but there will be no visible difference in their membership cards.

There are three types of membership available under the scheme. Category A membership is available free to all north Wiltshire residents.

Once enrolled in the scheme, members will be able to use the card as a deposit for equipment hire and to receive discounts on sports and swimwear from North Wiltshire Leisure centres.

Members will also receive a newsletter, be eligible to win prizes and, if current negotiations are successful, could receive discounts in shops across the area.

Category B membership costs £15 a year for an adult, is half price for under-16s and senior citizens, and £25 for families.

The membership has all the benefits available to Category A members, plus discounts, free spectator access to some events and a seven-day advanced booking facility.

Anyone who does not have a ZIP card has to pay in advance and can only book three days ahead.

For north Wiltshire residents eligible for Category C membership, the card is free and discounts of up to 50 per cent are available under the Access To Leisure scheme.

Those in receipt of benefits such as Income Support, Housing Benefit or the Disability Living Allowance can apply for a Category C membership card.

This type of membership entitles holders to all the benefits of Categories A and B as well as a reduction of 50 per cent on off-peak activities, half-price swimming at all times and concessions for off-peak use of the brand new Activa fitness suites.

To sign up for a ZIP card, complete an application form.

These are available from any North Wiltshire Leisure centre. Then hand it in to reception.

The new £55,000 ZIP scheme is already up and running and will be launched officially on July 11.

"The ZIP card is a brilliant idea, it allows us to be discreet with our customers' information and ensure everyone is treated in the same manner," said sales and marketing officer Martyn Dipper.

"The technology allows our customers to become members of all of our leisure centres.

"It gives the customers the choice of where they go and which facilities they use, but they can be assured that they will get the same value for money at each of our leisure centres."