A COUNTRY club is looking to help keep-fit fans get back into shape after it re-opened at the weekend.

The Essex Golf and Country Club opened its doors to members on Saturday after four months of being closed during the lockdown.

Now the club, in Earls Colne, is welcoming back members.

The club has unveiled a brand new gym which can hold 25 people under current guidelines.

By August 17 the club will also have a newly refurbished swimming pool with sauna, steam room and whirlpool bath.

The club says staff have been trained in the new regulations and a raft of safety measures have been introduced.

These include temperature checks on entry and hand sanitisation stations.

General manager James Gathercole said: “We can’t wait to welcome our members back.

“Ensuring the safety of our members and our team is our number one priority.

“We have run focus groups and pre-opening tours, which have really helped to allay any fears among members, and we’ve worked incredibly hard to make sure the club is Covid-19 safe.

“It may look a little different but our members can still be assured of a great experience.

“We would like to thank our members for their support over these last few months.

“Lockdown has been a lonely and difficult time for many and will have impacted some people’s mental and physical wellbeing.

“We know that exercise is one of the best ways to boost your immune system to help prevent Covid-19.

“We are looking forward to helping our members get back on track with their exercise programmes.”

The club has been doing online workouts during lockdown.

Bosses say they have also seen a surge in membership since re-opening the golf club in May.