The pilot Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) run by the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) comes to close at the end of this year and figures indicate it has been a great success.

Across IFI sites, 97 per cent of disabled users said they felt comfortable and at ease in the facility and 92 per cent were satisfied with the information and help provided by fitness staff.

Sue Catton, national director of the IFI, said: 'The IFI has had a dramtic effect on the fitnessindustry, providers and suppliers alike are now addressing the needs of disabled people with an inclusive approach.'

The EFDS, through a £1m Sport England Lottery Fund grant has worked to provide funding and advice to participating centres on inclusive equipment, staff training, marketing and sports development and claims that 60 per cent of sites involved are now exceeding their disabled user targets.

Minister for sport Richard Caborn, praised the scheme, saying that the IFI was ensuring as many disabled people in Britain as possible have access to the 'benefits associated with physical activity'.

Due to the progress made during the pilot phase, the EFDS hopes to develop the IFI scheme. Colin Chaytors, chief executive of the EFDS, said: 'We will be working closely with Sport England to refine and enhance the project for the long-term benefit of disabled people in all areas of England. In the next few months we will be presenting an application to the Sport England Lottery Panel in the hope of attracting further investment towards a national scheme.' Details: www.inclusivefitness.org

The Brentwood Centre, Redhill, was opend by Trevor Brooking this month, making it the 26th facility to receive a grant through the IFI. The centre received £18,000 from the Sport England Lottery Fund.