BURY is supporting Britain's Armed Forces by allowing service men and women to use council leisure centres free of charge.

The decision has been made by council leader Bob Bibby in advance of Armistice Day to show the borough's gratitude.

"Members of the armed services face extraordinary risks for the good of our country, and often don't get the recognition they deserve," he said.

"Bury has a proud tradition of being associated with the services, and long may that association continue. By taking this step we are doing what we can to show our appreciation and admiration for their bravery, and our gratitude for what they do."

The initiative will be formally launched next week when Eric Pickles, shadow local government minister, visits Bury to inspect progress made on the Fusiliers' museum. Work has started on the museum, in the former Bury Arts and Crafts Centre in Broad Street, to be completed in 2009. Coun Bibby recently helped to find a further £250,000 for the project after costs came in above budget.

Initially the free leisure scheme will be limited to current members of the forces, but the council may extend it to retired personnel. Coun Bibby added: "In order to keep red tape to a minimum, current service personnel will just have to show their forces ID card to use the council facilities."