GYMS in York and Selby are seeing a big influx in people wanting to get fit as the traditional January health drive sets in.

Thousands of people across the country decide to shed the excess Christmas pounds and sign up to a health club at this time of year.

Next Generation Club, in Hull Road, York, reported an increase in new faces this month, along with a marked rise in the number of visits from existing members.

Richard Fleming, from Next Generation, said: "We've seen some increase in new memberships in January.

"However the most noticeable change is members' usage. As an example, those who usually use the facilities twice a week are now coming in four times a week.

"After the excesses of the festive period, individuals are keen to look and feel healthier, and recognise that exercise is a great way to achieve this.

"The real challenge for the individuals and for Next Generation staff is to ensure that they stick at it throughout the year. We find, by the time March comes, an individual's enthusiasm tails off again."

Nigel May, owner of Bodi Bitz club in Selby, said: "Our membership has gone manic. It always does in January.

"From last Sunday, we've had 19 new members and we're not a big gym. That's not counting the old faces joining, that's the new faces walking through the door.

"In January, everyone starts coming back to get ready for the holidays. After October, every gym in the world is slow because people aren't trying (to get fit) for their holiday."

York's Bannatyne Health Club, in Nether Poppleton, also reported a surge in membership this month.

But Brian House, a fitness instructor at Atlanta Health and Fitness Centre, in Clifton Moor, said the club normally saw a surge in interest slightly later in the year as people started to get in shape for their holidays.

"We've had no massive surge," he said.

"It never happens in January. In February it will lift a bit, it always does."