East Devon residents 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 shoppers.

East Devon residents 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 Honiton, Colyton, Axe Valley, Sidmouth, Ottery St Mary and Broadclyst Leisure Centres, have already started to sell in high volumes as residents look to snap up practical gifts for their friends and relatives."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," commented David Pagett, Chief Executive of LED. "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. "The cards are available from reception at any LED centre and come in three versions: an open 'Active' card, 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