Irene's inspirational stitches for the London Olympics

A local senior citizen is lending a unique piece of art to her local leisure centre in honour of the Olympics – the district’s first Olympic quilt!

Irene Burt, 74, spent nine weeks on the homemade patchwork quilt before lending it to Newton Abbot Leisure Centre for display during the summer.

Having used the gym since it opened 22 years ago, Mrs Burt, who has had two hip replacements, is still a frequent attendee. She’s hoping the bespoke blanket will help brighten up and promote the centre’s facilities, while also paying tribute to the Olympic spirit in 2012.

Irene said: “I designed the patchwork quilt to promote the gym and how it is open to all ages. The staff have been fantastic helping me keep fit, especially after my hip replacements and I want other elderly people to know that they are welcome.”

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The quilt, which took nine weeks to hand-stitch, represents 15 sporting events and also includes an Olympic Torch runner.

Mrs Burt wanted to create something that would help bring more interest to the leisure centre from the local community and to encourage more senior citizens to join the gym.

She’s being rewarded with a limited edition ‘Moment To Shine’ Olympic pin-badge, a supply of which were given to Teignbridge by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games to recognise its involvement in the Olympic Torch Relay in May. These exclusive limited badges are not available to buy in shops.

Cllr George Gribble, Teignbridge Executive Spokesperson for Communities, Recreation and Leisure said: “We do our best to provide sports facilities for people of all ages throughout Teignbridge, and are delighted with Irene’s efforts to promote Newton Abbot Leisure Centre to other older people.

“As an older sportsman myself I know the benefit that exercise can bring, and I’d like to thank Irene for being such an inspiration to others.”

Martin Hough, Manager of Newton Abbot Leisure Centre, said: “The patchwork quilt is fantastic. It represents the diversity of people we have coming in to use the gym. So many people have a misconception of this.

“We don’t give up because we get old; we get old because we give up. Even after her two hip replacements, Irene did not give up and enjoys using the gym regularly.”

Cllr Chris Clarance, Chairman of Teignbridge District Council, recently met Mrs Burt at the Centre to thank her for the surprise. He said: “All of us at Teignbridge much admire Irene’s hard work and dedication to the centre. An incredible amount of effort went into making the quilt and it is wonderful that she has such community spirit, doing her bit to encourage others to get fit and healthy.”

The quilt is being displayed behind the gym’s reception for everyone to see. It will stay there until the Olympics have finished, then be returned to its proud owner.