Nautilus has been selected as the equipment partner for a new fitness centre at the Harris Community School in Rugby.

The school - a specialist sports college for nearly six years - felt it wanted to install a quality fitness facility not only to assist pupils but also to underline the community philosophy of the school through being able to open up to the public.

Commenting, Vince Merrett, the Sports Centre Manager said: "Our school has a very strong community base which is a strong part of our tradition.

"We took the same approach to our fitness facility as we do to everything at the school - we offer the best we can and ensure fair access for all."

The sports centre was officially opened in January - by England International Rugby star Lewis Moody - although pupils have had access for longer than that, enabling them to get used to the equipment and to see how it fitted into school life.

When the school is not using the gym, local residents are allowed complete access with all income going into the operation of the facility. Harris School chose to lease the equipment which enabled them to purchase it without finance.

A further benefit of the new centre is that gym membership is being used to incentivise teachers to run after school clubs.

"Running after school clubs is unpaid work," explained Merrett: "And to help encourage teachers to do so we are now able to offer those that do free use of the gym, which they would otherwise have to pay for. It's a great perk!"

Nautilus supplied items from its Nitro Plus strength range, plus cardiovascular equipment that includes treadmills, exercise bikes and ellipticals.

Picture shows Lewis Moody opening the new facility in January