GYM-GOERS were invited to witness the fitness last weekend at the official unveiling of Whitchurch’s new outdoor gym.

Experts were on hand to give demonstrations as Whitchurch mayor Councillor Fiona Nicolson opened the new facility at the Alliston Way Recreation Ground on Saturday.

The gym offers cardiovascular and resistance machines for its visitors, which on Saturday included both young and old sportspeople and women returning to exercise after having children.

“It was great to see such a large turnout of people of all ages,” said Cllr Nicolson.

“This equipment is for young and old and everyone in between, and I was particularly pleased that so many women came along to the demonstration.

“The gym is next to the children’s play area, which means you can keep fit and an eye on your children at the same time.”

Charlotte Cutler, of group fitness class provider Pop Fit, attended Saturday’s opening to show visitors how to use the apparatus.

Alison Davis from Pop Tots, a pre-school disco activity group, was also on hand, leading an interactive disco to entertain the children while their parents tried out the gym.

The apparatus includes leg and chest presses, a rower, cycler and skier, each of which has a QR code which users can scan with their smartphones to see a video of exercises the machine can be used for.

The outdoor gym project has been in the pipeline since June 2016 when Whitchurch resident Rob Ronan suggested the idea to the town council.

After meetings with suppliers and public consultations, councillors agreed a formal proposal at a full council meeting in June 2018. Wicksteed were chosen to supply and install the gym equipment, which would be funded by grant money specially allocated to the Alliston Way site.