Fitness co-ordinator and Harpers manager Sue Harris was told her job is at risk by centre management company Leisure Connection last week.

People who attend her classes were outraged when they heard the news and started an SOS campaign – "Save Our Sue".

More than 165 supporters have signed a petition, handed in comment cards at the Meres reception desk, threatened to withdraw their membership and written to the centre manager demanding she be given her job back.

Andi Mould, who took part in last year's Journal fitness challenge and is leading the campaign, said: "We couldn't believe it when we found out.

"To get rid of the life and soul of the place is crazy. Most people only go to the classes because she takes them and when she's not there they are empty.

"Her classes have been packed this week because everyone wants to say goodbye."

Sisters Claire Wallace and Annette Pask said they only use The Meres because of Sue.

Claire said: "If we had known about this before we signed up we would have gone elsewhere."

Regular class-goers Lorraine Marshall and Clare Milner are devastated. Lorraine said: "I've been to exercise classes all over England and have never found anyone as good as Sue."

Sue told the Journal she was unable to comment as it could affect future negotiations with Leisure Connection.

No one from Leisure Connection was prepared to comment, but a meeting scheduled for Wednesday but postponed at the last minute, was due to take place between the company and Sue on Thursday.