Shrewsbury gym-goer wins Bannatyne health club national competition

Ben McEwen, 26, was picked at random as the winner of the company's national social media competition which required people to follow and share a post.

He will now enjoy a year's free membership at the club, which has recently had more than £300,000 invested in it.

Mr McEwen said: “At first I thought someone was playing a joke on me, but once it was confirmed that I had won I was delighted.

“The facilities at the Bannatyne health club in Shrewsbury are excellent and I am looking forward to training, and in particular trying out all the various classes.”

The Bannatyne Group invested around £350,000in the upgrade of the Oteley Road health club last year, with brand new state-of-the-art equipment installed, including an extended indoor running track, upgraded cardiovascular and resistance equipment, as well as an expanded free weights section, which contains new ergonomically-designed weight bars and dumbbells.

The club also hopes to expand into the luxury spa business if plans get the go-ahead.

Architects acting on behalf of Bannatyne Health Club, in Shrewsbury, have submitted plans for a new spa at the club.

The luxury spa would have heated loungers, water beds, treatment rooms, and manicure and pedicure stations. The plans, which have been lodged with Shropshire Council, get the green light, the club would also extend the building into the parking area and relocate parking spaces.

David Hammond, general manager at the Shrewsbury health club, said: “We’re very excited that the winner of the competition comes from Shrewsbury.

“We have a really friendly club here, with fantastic facilities and equipment and everyone is looking forward to welcoming Ben.”