KEIGHLEY people will have the chance to climb the steps of some of the world's most famous landmarks – without leaving the town.

A machine which simulates walking up structures such as the Eiffel Tower or Statue of Liberty is being installed as part of a major refurbishment of gym facilities at Keighley Leisure Centre.

The so-called StairMaster 8 Gauntlet is among a range of state-of-the-art equipment being provided.

Other gear includes a studio rig equipped with an adjustable pulley, battle ropes, punchbags, a chin-up bar, medicine ball re-bounder and plyometric step.

And a treadmill will feature settings which can replicate hiking through Alpine mountain scenery, running through canyons or jogging across beaches.

The gym is currently closed, until January 6, while work is carried out.

The revamped facilities will also include cardiovascular workout machines connected to the internet so members can share information via social media, link-in with other gym users or watch digital TV on an LCD display.

New resistance and free weights equipment is also being fitted.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council's executive member for environment and sport, says Keighley will have the latest in technology.

"By investing in the gym at the leisure centre we are securing its future in more ways than one," she said.

"We will have a truly state-of-the-art gym that will make the facilities attractive to our residents and encourage people back to see how good the provision is.

"By encouraging more people into the gym to use our facilities, we will also help keep residents in Keighley more active, healthy and happier with their wellbeing."

She added that the closure of the gym had been scheduled to coincide with the quietest time of the year, when it would affect least people.

Members can use alternative gym facilities at Bingley and Shipley pools or Thornton Recreation Centre.

Swimming and fitness classes at Keighley Leisure Centre are unaffected.

Three-dimensional footage of what the new gym will look like can be seen at youtube.com/watch?v=EABljqrtukY.