Hertfordshire Olympic hero Max Whitlock has signed up to an initiative which aims to inspire communities to exercise and encourage aspiration among members.

The nation's most successful gymnast has partnered up with 1Life in St Albans to become an ambassador in a bid to get more people focusing on their physical and mental health.

He is joined by double Olympic champion swimmer Tom Dean as brand ambassador for 1Life, which manages several venues including Harpenden Leisure Centre, Batchwood Sports Centre, and Cotlandswick Leisure Centre.

Whitlock said: "I am really excited to be working with 1Life in St Albans. I am a huge supporter of what the team is looking to achieve in terms of grassroot sport and physical activity.

"The team is redefining public access leisure provision in the UK and are working with some of the world’s leading health & wellness businesses to help support users on their health and fitness journey.

"I am excited to see this partnership evolve and develop over what will be an exciting year ahead."

St Albans & Harpenden Review: Tom Dean, pictured, has joined Max Whitlock as 1Life ambassadorTom Dean, pictured, has joined Max Whitlock as 1Life ambassador

Steve Bambury, operations director for 1Life, added: "We appreciate everyone’s health and fitness journey is unique and so is each of our centres.

"We are thrilled to be working with Max and Tom and hope their stories as Olympic medallists can inspire people of all ages to get active and encourage 1Life members to think bigger when it comes to their goals.

"With Max and Tom as our Aspiring Champions we’re sure we will make a genuine impact on the health and wellbeing in the communities we work with."