A nationwide gym chain has announced one of its branches in a shopping centre has permanently closed.

Anytime Fitness in the St George's Shopping Centre, Gravesend, is now in liquidation.

The American-based company operates more than 5,000 franchised locations in 50 countries.

It runs 24-hour facilities that are open for members all year round.

A sign on the door of the building says the branch has been "placed into liquidation" by Maxwell Davies Limited on May 24 this year.

A message on their website says the gym is now shut, however an explanation as to why it closed wasn't given online.

"Anytime Fitness Gravesend has permanently closed," it says.

"All members have received communication via email with regards to their membership."

The next nearest branch is at the Pentagon Shopping Centre in Chatham.

It also has two other stores in Kent, including Dover and Ashford.

A spokesman from Anytime Fitness commented: "The franchise owner of Anytime Fitness Gravesend was unable to reach an agreement with the landlord of the building to continue operating a health club from this location and the club has entered insolvency.

"We would like to thank members for their understanding of this challenging situation and for their loyalty and commitment."

They added that the gym officially closed its doors last Friday (February 24).