Barrow Park Leisure Centre's boss is rallying the town's fitness community in an effort to boost the annual Christmas toy appeal.

Aidan Murphy, Operations Manager at the council-owned facility, has garnered support from Barrow's commercially operated gyms for the charity campaign.

This includes Nuffield Health, the Gym Group, Industry 13 and Everlast Gyms.

Invites have also been issued to other local gyms.

Aidan is eager to build on the success of past appeals, which has, in previous years, aided hundreds of families in the area.

Last year, two appeals in the town gathered enough toys to benefit 400 families.

Murphy aims to surpass this with one unified campaign.

He said: "We don’t want any child to be left wanting this Christmas.

"As a local authority trading company, we are in a unique position to help provide anything the community needs, so I decided to approach the national (gym) operators in the town to join in and they’ve all given their support – so thank you to all of them.”

The appeal opens on November 1, and participating gyms, businesses and churches are encouraging visitors to provide presents, including gift vouchers, for children ranging from newborn to 11 years old.

Collection points at every venue will accept unwrapped gifts until the appeal closes on November 30.

In December the gifts will be distributed through St. Marks Church and the Furness Resilience Forum, which is made up of the Project John youth hub, The Salvation Army, Barrow Foodbank, Spring Mount, Age UK, Furness Multicultural Forum, Focus Families and BAE.

Extending further support, Barrow Park Leisure Centre is once again opening its doors as a winter warm hub, offering comfort through hot drinks, snacks, showers, free wifi and board games.

The hub aims to reduce loneliness during colder months.

Aidan said: “It was a great success last year and we ran it right up until April. People have been asking for it again this year as the need is still as great and it’s what we’re here for – to support as many as we can in the community.”

Gifts for the toy appeal can be donated at Barrow Park Leisure Centre, any of the participating gyms, or at St Mark's Church on Buccleuch Street.