Club Moativation threw open its doors again this week as part of Stratford's Crowne Plaza's reopening following a fire earlier this year.

The message from Health Club manager Zoe Russell and her team is that they cannot wait to see everyone back following a total refresh of the facilities including the arrival of new pieces of training equipment in the riverside gym.

"It has been a while and we have missed seeing everyone so much," Zoe said.

"It has given us the opportunity to freshen things up around the place including the pool area, carry out some work in the sauna and steam room and we have brought in three new pieces of equipment.

"We are all in this industry because we enjoy working with people and we have missed seeing our members, many of whom have become friends. We managed to hold a couple of social events over the summer but it's great that we can welcome them back into the club now."

Long-time member James Maddock was one of the first back through the door – but only after he had cut the ribbon for the official re-opening.

James explained why he had been a regular at the gym for more than 25 years.

"I have been coming here since 1996 with a break when I spent time working in Brazil. It has everything I need but It is so much more than a gym. It is a place to meet friends in beautiful surroundings alongside the river."

Club Moativation is attached to Crowne Plaza on Stratford's Bridgefoot.