A BRAND new purpose-built gym is taking shape in an extension on the People's Hall at Sedbergh and members of the public were recently invited to take a look round.

Members of the Sedbergh People’s Gym & Fitness Centre committee organised the event and dozens of people turned out to chat with members who were on hand to answer questions.

Many people signed up to become members and the management committee will be meeting tonight in the gym to discuss the way forward.

Grants have been supplied by Sports England, Yorkshire Dales Sustainable Development, South Lakeland District Council Locally Important Projects, Cumbria County Council Neighbourhood Forum, The Hadfield Trust, Harold and Alice Bridges Charity, Sedbergh Community Fund and Sedbergh United Community.

More grant applications are pending and it is hoped that once all health and safety issues have been ironed out doors will open for business in late September. A ‘Gym-omiter’ is to go on display outside the gym showing targets and funds raised.

Committee treasurer Rosemary Lewes said: "Although the building's more or less complete and we've a lot of equipment, there's still a long list of things to go and a fair amount of money to raise."