A SPECIAL birthday party has been held for one of Northallerton’s fittest octogenarians.

Joan Coulson who is a regular gym customer at Hambleton Leisure Centre was treated to the party by fellow customers and staff at the Golden Lion in Northallerton in honour of her eightieth birthday.

More than 50 people attended her party which included a buffet and a fitness-inspired birthday cake.

A speech was given by gym members, Paul Bonomini and Andrew Hodgson, who helped to organise the party alongside the centres fitness instructors and receptionists.

Joan attends the centre five days a week often for five hours at a time. She enjoys the gym, spinning, pilates, Swiss ball and abs blast.

Joan has also been the face of leisure in the town over the years starting back in 2008 with a campaign called "engAGE with us" and more recently appearing on posters advertising spinning and personal training.

She said “I can’t believe all this is for me and that all these people think I am worthy enough.”