Cloud 9, the family-run health club firm, has added another racecourse to its list of venues.

The firm, based in Haywards Heath, has clubs at Plumpton, Wetherby, Ripon and Newton Abbot and has now opened a gym at Nottingham. Another ten centres are planned in the first half of next year.

The business was started in 1988 by Allen Roberts and his son Matt in a former department store.

Managing director Matt, a former Brighton B52s American football player, said: "At the time I was playing American football and had to travel into Brighton for fitness training.

"There were no gyms or training facilities in Haywards Heath, so opening a fitness centre there was a good business propostion.

"The idea of the racecourse gyms stems from a chance meeting with Grant Knowles, chief executive at Plumpton Racecourse. We were talking generally about the fitness industry and thought about creating a gym at Plumpton.

"We agreed there were possibilities, not just at Plumpton but at other racecourses where the buildings and facilities are used on fewer than 20 days a year.

"We teamed up with equipment manufacturer Physiqe-LSi and the first racecourse gym was opened in December 1999. It turned out to be a success.

The racecourse had perfect facilities, including changing areas and showers and they were only used a few days each year.

Matt said: "Creating a Cloud 9 Fitness Centre gave it extra income and started us on our way to building a chain of centres across the country."

Of the 55 racecourses in the UK, 33 have racing on less than 20 days. Mr Roberts wrote to them all and 29 replied saying they were interested in the concept.

Cloud 9 is still a family concern with Matt, his wife Gill, mother Mim and sisters Jann and Rebecca all playing active roles in the business. His father Allen has retired.

Cousin Richard Sullivan looks after the business in Ripon and Wetherby.

Mr Roberts said: "We ensure all the fitness centres we open have the same ethos of a friendly atmosphere and high-level professionalism."

Racecourses lined up for next year include Exeter, Taunton, Redcar and Fakenham.