KEEP fit enthusiasts in Dulverton swapped barbells for hymn books and worked out amongst the pews and pulpit at the launch of a 'pop-up' gym in the town this week.

Campaigners failed to save the popular Exmoor Gym - run by leisure trust 1610 and opened just 18 months ago - from closure on Monday.

But undeterred, they ensured the facility would have a second coming by opening a pop-up version in All Saints Church the following day.

And at least 15 people found sanctuary in the 13th century building for the first of a regular series of sessions aimed at keeping their bodies fit and their spirits high.

The venture has the blessing of the town's vicar, the Rev Preb. John Thorogood, the churchwardens and the parochial church council.

Mr Thorogood, a member of the now closed gym run previously in the Parish Rooms, was among those 'shaking a leg' in the aisles.

Organisers plan to run circuit-style classes five times a week, using equipment local people have pulled out of their garages and cupboards.

Sarah Blackburn, chairman of the Save Exmoor Gym group, which is behind the initiative, said: "We think this may be the very first pop-up gym in an active church in the country.

"More importantly, it will offer the support and friendship that is so key to our gym."

However, despite the Dunkirk spirit and the inevitable jokes, campaigners said there was sadness and anger in the community at the loss of the previous gym.

Instructor Trisha Brown, who was employed by 1610 and is now on "gardening leave", said: "I've had people in floods of tears at the gym.

"We have a lot of vulnerable members and sadly the pop-up gym won't meet all their needs."

She said some people were in rehab following surgery and needed the specialist equipment of a full-time dedicated gym.

Campaigners had been attempting to take over the running of the 1610-managed gym to ensure its future, but without success.

The leisure trust has said more members are needed to make the venture viable, particularly in the summer months when membership tends to drop off.

In a statement, 1610 reiterated its intention that the closure would be temporary and that it would continue to consult with the local community about future plans.

It said it had already held a "positive and constructive" meeting with Dulverton Town Council and had confirmed its commitment to providing a fitness facility in the town.

It said it was reviewing the type of facilities on offer and had written to gym members for their views.

Face to face interviews would also be held with members of the public to canvass their views and new taster activities would be trialed at the gym and at other venues in Dulverton.

1610 chief executive Tim Nightingale said the Exmoor Gym was part of a development by the trust to trial a budget gym within a rural community.

"We acknowledge that we have to make significant improvements to enable the gym to become more sustainable," he said.

"We also understand the emotions and passion that the temporary closure has evoked within the community which is why we are taking stock at this point to work together with the wider community in Dulverton to find the best possible solution so the gym can reopen in September."

1610 confirmed it had changed the locks on the building as a security measure - a move condemned by campaigners.

Photo: Steve Guscott