Fitness fans are putting some muscle behind a campaign for a gym to move into a former Cromer nightspot.

An online petition has been launched calling for Fighting Fit Martial Arts to be allowed to re-locate to the old Bouncers Bar on Holt Road.

It follows news last week that a Sue Ryder store was due to open in the building next to Cromer Railway Station.

Now the charity may have a struggle on it hands with around 600 supporters signing up for the campaign for Cromer based gym Fighting Fit Martial Arts to take up residence. Local businessman John Mezzetti, who owns the gym on Louden Road, had expressed interest in taking on the building, but said he had been rebuffed by agents.

The petition, on the Care2 site, has been organised by Ruth Hedge who argues that a gym at the premises could rival facilities in Sheringham and Cromer.

A statement on the webpage describes Mr Mezzetti as a 'very well respected member of the community, who does so much promoting fitness, and giving local youngsters opportunities to better themselves through exercise.'

It says that Bouncers Bar would be an 'ideal venue' for the gym, allowing more classes and opportunities for other activities such as baby and toddler groups.

Supporters of the campaign include Michelle Harris who said: 'Please make this happen.'

Trudy White posted: 'Fantastic opportunity to encourage exercise, discipline, self-esteem and positive social contact for the young people of this area.'

Kim Claxton added: 'Would be brill to have this building used as a gym.'

News that Sue Ryder was planning open a new store in the former nightclub also attracted plenty of comment on the North Norfolk News Facebook page.

Mick Massingham branded the likely move as 'a complete waste of an iconic building.'

Tracey Cosford added: 'There's more than enough charity shops already.'

However, support came from Sheena Waters who described it as an 'awesome idea' and 'a lot less of an eyesore than the boarded up building.'

A spokesman for Sue Ryder said they hoped to open at the end of March or early April and would mostly be selling furniture.

The charity supports people with complex needs and life-threatening illnesses.

Its many Norfolk branches include an existing shop in Cromer on Church Street.