Keep-fit fans have been searching for alternative venues following the announcement of the impending closure of Bodies Gym.

Around 1,000 members have been trying to find local classes since owners Ann and Craig Harrison announced that Bodies, on Regent Road, will close tomorrow.

Bodies members had been told the health club and spa was staying open despite planning permission being granted pn February 16 for conversion of the building into 11 apartments.

The abruptness of the closure announcement has left them shocked and desperately searching for an alternative venue.

Some of the staff at Bodies have been trying to arrange an alternative site but many members have been trying to sign on at Ilkley Tennis Club.

Ilkley Tennis and Squash Club General Manager Billy Kerr said that the club had been inundated with calls and was struggling to accommodate everyone in the short term.

Mr Kerr said that for the next few days, people were not being allowed to join but could telephone and arrange to visit the premises to see what was on offer.

Next week, however, the return of staff from holiday would allow more members to be signed on and soon, the club was planning to expand its premises.

Mr Kerr said: "We already have a comprehensive fitness suite with a fully equipped and professionally staffed fitness centre and an exercise class programme that caters for Pilates, aerobics, studio cycling, and post natal classes among others.

"We have plans to expand -- in particular adding a fitness studio for classes which will support the fitness centre that already has around 500 members.

"We have already signed up a number of members and will be doing our utmost to accommodate more members -- hence the expansion plans.

"The club is a non commercial -- not for profit members club. While tennis and squash have been and continue to be the core of our activities particularly junior development, fitness continues to grow and is an integral and integrated part of the club.

"The ongoing success of our fitness centre is key to supporting the whole programme of sports at the club and we will continue to offer fitness to the community on the same professional level that we run our tennis and squash programmes."

And Steve Harrison, of the Taerigi-Do Black Belt Academy, Little Lane, said the club also ran fitness classes which former Bodies members would benefit from.

Mr Harrison said: "We have just taken on a new member of staff so we are extending the business. We have various classes in the evening and in the day."

Ilkley Yoga Club, which meets at the Clarke Foley Centre, on Cunliffe Road, on Thursday evenings from 7.30 to 9pm, would welcome new members of all ages. The class is suitable for those with or without experience.

There are also keep-fit classes at Christchurch, Riddings Road, from 2pm until 3.15pm. These classes are suitable for all ages and abilities, including beginers.

Speaking about the closure of Bodies, the chairman of Ilkley Parish Council's planning committee Kate Brown said that it would mean the town losing yet another local amenity.