SIDMOTHIANS are set to be fitter than ever in 2009, thanks to a credit crunch-beating Christmas present that s already been proving extremely popular with canny early shoppers.

SIDMOTHIANS are set to be fitter than ever in 2009, thanks to a credit crunch-beating Christmas present that's already been proving extremely popular with canny early shoppers. Gift cards for use at Leisure East Devon (LED) facilities across the district, including the gym and swimming pool in Sidmouth, have already started to sell in high volumes as residents look to snap up practical gifts for their friends and relatives.

David Pagett, Chief Executive of LED, said: "The feedback we're getting on our gift cards this year is that people are keen to give a present that will last well into 2009".

"With the credit crunch biting, Christmas presents this year have to stretch that bit further and represent real value for money. Something like a gym membership or a gift voucher to spend on leisure facilities means that the recipient can take advantage of some of the wide range of activities on offer at LED's facilities - at no cost to themselves.

"I understand that the UK gift card and gift voucher market is worth an estimated £3billion per year and all the indications are that it is set to out-perform many other gift ideas this festive season. In the current climate, reducing waste - and the waist! - is high on many people's agendas and an LED gift voucher ticks both boxes by reducing the risk of choosing an unwanted gift and encouraging the recipient to enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle."

Having experienced higher than expected early sales, LED has ordered more cards to cope with the demand. It's hoped that more people from Sidmouth will be encouraged to take regular exercise in 2009 through the sale of the vouchers.

The cards are available from reception at any LED centre and come in three versions: an open 'Active' card (to be launched in December), that can be loaded to any value and be redeemed against LED individual activities including adult and junior swimming, gym sessions, sports and exercise classes, children's playschemes and LED Sportstore purchases; a 'Junior Swim' voucher worth £20 that entitles the recipient to unlimited swims at any LED pool for one month; and a 'Fit4 Gym' voucher worth £50 to include a fitness screening, gym introduction and a whole month of unlimited gym use at any LED gym.

For more information, visit www.ledleisure.co.uk/GiftVoucher