A new scheme is offering free access to leisure facilities.

The Community Champions scheme, launched by Everyone Active, is designed to support individuals who are making a difference in their communities by giving them access to leisure centre facilities to further their work.

The deadline to apply is Thursday, June 12.

Luke Routhorn, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: "We are hugely excited to launch the Community Champions scheme, which we hope will make a real difference in Dorset.

"We want to highlight the work of everyday heroes who are changing people’s lives and inspiring others to make a positive impact in their communities.

"We encourage local people, community projects and charitable initiatives to get their applications in before June 12, so we can support the fantastic work that you do."

READ: 'I want to be involved in a disability sport, but I just don’t know how?'

The scheme is open to individuals involved in mentoring, health and wellbeing promotion, inclusivity and environmental or cultural projects.

It is open to both charitable initiatives and smaller, targeted projects.

Winners will receive free use of leisure centre facilities to help them carry out their work.

The scheme also offers the chance to be shortlisted for the Community Champions Awards, which will take place later this year.

Everyone Active, which runs Weymouth Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre and Blandford Leisure Centre in partnership with Dorset Council, launched the scheme on May 1.

READ: Ambitious plan to transform Weymouth sports facilities

(Image: Everyone Active) Its aim is to strengthen communities and recognise the dedication of people who go above and beyond.

Applications can be submitted through the Champions website at ea-champions.com.

In addition to the Community Champions scheme, Everyone Active has launched a Colleague Champions scheme.

This programme is designed to recognise employees who demonstrate exceptional customer service, innovative thinking, teamwork, leadership, and commitment to the company’s values.

Customers can nominate staff members for the award via the same website, with nominations also closing at 11.59pm on Thursday, June 12.

Everyone Active also runs the Sporting Champions scheme, which supports aspiring athletes by giving them access to training facilities and mentoring from Olympians and Paralympians.

READ: New funding to support pupils with SEND to access sport and PE

Since 2016, the Sporting Champions scheme has supported more than 6,000 athletes by providing free access to Everyone Active’s network of more than 240 leisure centres across the UK.

The Community Champions scheme builds on this legacy by extending support to individuals who contribute to their communities in other impactful ways.

Everyone Active hopes the scheme will shine a light on unsung heroes and help them continue to make a positive difference.