A GYM which closed just days before Christmas is set to get a fresh lease of life after a new boss took over the ailing business.

The Gallery, in Holland Road, was forced to close its doors in December after 12 years in Clacton.

It had been running at a loss and the owner was unable to renegotiate the lease.

But within days, businessman Bradley Favell stepped in to rescue the gym and take over the business.

He is spending a whopping £250,000 revamping the fitness club and replacing equipment.

It is being rebranded under a new name – Gym Fit – this week.

Spokesman Edward Bell said: "Bradley is doing the work as we speak. It's quite incredible the things he is doing, but it's one of the largest independent gyms in Clacton and it has a very good reputation."

Former Tendring Technology College pupil Mr Favell managed to reopen the gym two days after it closed and has honoured existing members' subscriptions.

Mr Bell said: "He has always been into health and fitness and being a local guy he wanted to run a gym himself.

"He is also setting up activities to get the community into fitness, such as a new boxing club to keep young people off the streets, and he is working on a large event in the summer on the new beach at Holland on Sea encompassing different beach sports, kayaking and things like that.

"He's got a lot of vision about what he wants to do to give back to the community and improve people's health and fitness within the district."