Watford Woodside Leisure Centre is taking part in a nationwide fitness competition for the chance to win £500 and be crowned champion by TV presenter Ben Shephard.

In addition, winners will also receive an Everyone Active annual membership and a luxury spa day overnight stay for two.

The FORTIS Championships will start on October 30 and is free to enter.

Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: "This October, we're thrilled to announce the return of the highly popular national workout challenge, The FORTIS Championships, right here at Watford Woodside Leisure Centre, operated by our partners Everyone Active.

“This is an incredible opportunity to join the accessible workout challenge.”

To take part, participants aged 18 to 80-plus can join weekly 30-minute FORTIS high impact interval training classes.

The workout is based around a unique personalised resistance concept, allowing every participant to train at their own level, no matter what their fitness ability.

Ben said: “Last year we ran the first ever FORTIS Championships and with incredible success, so we’re really excited it's going again for the second year, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to the classes.

“I look forward to seeing who steps forward to take on The FORTIS Championships and wish all challengers the best of luck.”

Watford Observer: Watford Woodside Leisure Centre in Horseshoe Lane.Watford Woodside Leisure Centre in Horseshoe Lane. (Image: Google Street View)

To enter, sign up in a team of two, by booking two spaces in a Challenge Class via the Everyone Active App.

Booking opens on October 16. Single participants are also encouraged to sign up to be matched with a compatible challenge partner.

The championship consists of teams of two, competing against others from across the country, completing a series of high-octane, low-impact challenges.

Contestants will make their way up the leaderboard by collecting points awarded for time spent exercising in each individual’s personal heart rate zone.

In this way, effort and tactics become far more important than fitness levels, making the FORTIS Championships a challenge that anyone can win.

Finalists from each participating centre will head to Harrow Lodge leisure centre on November 25, where Tipping Point presenter Ben Shephard will be hosting the event and crown the overall winners.

Watford Observer: Ben ShephardBen Shephard (Image: The FORTIS Championships)