The threat of losing a popular toning salon has prompted a group of devotees to club together and run the business as a co-operative.

Now Shapely Does It has been launched at new premises in Millers Court, High Bentham, thus ensuring the future fitness of the town’s women.

And, as an incentive, Shapely Does It is offering prospective members the chance to give the equipment a free trial or buy a series of ten taster sessions.

Co-operative member Caroline Goleczka said: “For the past three years the quiet North Yorkshire community of Low Bentham has been the unlikely location for the ladies-only toning salon which boasts toning chairs, treadmill and vibro-plate – a piece of equipment much loved by celebrities and the only one to be found in the area outside Morecambe.

“But now the newly-founded co-operative has just moved into new premises in the lively main street of neighbouring High Bentham and is hoping to attract more members.”

Kath Higgins, who founded the original salon and is manager of the new co-operative, said she had run the previous business single-handedly and was having to make a decision about whether to take on a further three-year lease. She said: “Like all businesses, the recession had hit and I was nervous about trying to keep the business going. I had given my landlord notice and had put the businesses up for sale when a group of ladies approached me with the idea of forming a co-operative.

“It has worked out well because we have been able to find more central and bigger premises, which is better for everyone.

“Because our equipment and training programmes are suited to all ages, sizes and fitness levels and no specialist clothing is required, our members don’t feel intimidated as they might at a conventional gym. And, maybe, because it’s ladies-only, it’s become quite a hub of female networking and mutual support.

“With the new government encouraging local communities to take on the responsibility for running their own services, perhaps this local co-operative will be the shape of things to come.”

Ten taster sessions will cost £45 to £60 while membership costs £25 to £32.50 per month. For more information or to book a free trial, contact 015242 62112.