NEWTON's rising sports stars can soon go for gold thanks to a new scheme allowing free use of council leisure facilities.

The town's most promising sportsmen and women will be able to apply for gold keycards admitting them to the region's fitness facilities, swimming pools and athletic track.

A limited number of sportspeople each year will qualify for the scheme, which includes disability sports. Applicants must be competing successfully at national level, approaching international honours or be considered by the sports' governing body to be capable of attaining that level.

Leisure chiefs launched the programme in response to a number of requests for support over recent years from sportspeople training to compete internationally.

Newton West Clr Keith Deakin, chairman of leisure, said: "The gold keycard would entitle the holder to free use of all facilities operated by the Recreation Division and free attendance at appropriate classes and courses.

"In return the recipients of gold cards would be required to assist the council's development of sport within the borough including coaching, attending launches or promotional events and visiting schools to act as positive role models," he said.

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