Arthritis and pleurisy have not stopped a Shipley man from getting fit – and being presented with an award from Bradford Council in recognition of his “outstanding achievements”.

Brendan Wilson, who had formerly been a keen climber and loved taking part in outdoor pursuits, had to stop all physical exercise in 2009 due to his deteriorating health.

The 49-year-old attended physiotherapy sessions twice a week before he decided to join the gym and work with a personal trainer at Eccleshill Pool.

Now, following his 16 months of hard training, he has been named as the latest winner of Bradford Council’s B Active award – and attributed much of his recovery to the fitness programme he was put on at the leisure centre, in Harrogate Road.

Mr Wilson said yesterday: “I am delighted to have won the B active award, but I couldn’t have done it without the help of everyone at Eccleshill Pool.

“I would urge everyone to try and make time for exercise and I believe that physical activity has played a massive part in helping me get back on my feet.”

Mr Wilson now does cardiovascular and weight training work at the centre five times a week, has lost two stones and stopped smoking and drinking since his keep fit campaign started last May.

It has also helped him to regain his strength and fitness, as a result of which doctors have decided he no longer requires an operation.

Bradford Council’s B active campaign was started in 2003 to encourage people across the district to be more physically active.

The B active awards are given out by the Council’s sport and leisure service to local people in recognition of their outstanding achievements in encouraging others to be more physically active.

Councillor Andrew Thornton, Bradford Council’s executive member responsible for sport and leisure, hailed Mr Wilson as an inspiration to others. He said: “Brendan has shown great determination and courage in order to regain his health and fitness. He is an inspiration and has shown what an important role exercise can play in recovery.”

To nominate someone for a B active award, contact Andrew Burns on (01274) 431882.