SUBMARINERS have opened a new fitness facility at HM Navel Base Clyde to get them "ship-shape".

The Royal Navy launched the "Waterfront 4 Deck" gym with treadmills, stepper machines, assault bike, rower and weights to keep any bodybuilder busy.

It is set near the submarine berths and was officially opened on May 23 by captain of the submarine flotilla, Captain Chris Gill.

Lieutenant Commander AJ Martin, human performance lead for the submarine flotilla, said: “The gym is a huge step forward in terms of improving the lived experience of serving submariners at HM Naval Base Clyde.

“The quality of the facility is a testament to the hard work of Chief Petty Officer Coxswain Longhurst and his team.”

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He added: “Making it easier to use gym facilities will improve the physical and mental health of submariners, helping us to create a Submarine Service that is more capable and more available, more of the time.”

The gym also includes a "human performance zone" - a quiet space that can be used by anyone looking for some alone time or needing a space to reflect.

It includea a coffee machine, books and journalism, designed to be a comfortable space for submariners to unwind before returning to their units.

Crew members from HMS Vigilant, Chief Petty Officer Coxswain Longhurst and Leading Seaman Golightly, transformed the space – formerly a locker room – into a first-rathe te gym.

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The Submarine Family and the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity contributed £2,500 to make the project happen.

“Having a superb, fully equipped gym in our work area makes a huge difference in the quality of life and ability to stay fit and healthy,“ said Lieutenant Commander Greg Barber, who works in the General Support Building and uses the new gym.

“We are at the opposite end of the base to the main gym and often we need to attend meetings through to the early evening. This gives me the flexibility to train, and I have no excuse not to."