KEEPING fit may not be such an effort for people in Dulverton following the opening of the town's first gym.

The long awaited facility is run by the non-profit-making charitable trust Somerset Leisure, which has invested £35,000 of equipment into the new venture.

Jayne Lethaby, manager of the West Somerset Sports and Leisure Centre, who helped set up the gym, said it would make a great difference to local people, saving them a journey of almost 20 miles to gyms in Tiverton or Minehead.

"There has been a need for some for a facility like this in Dulverton," she said.

"We have located the ideal premises in the old Parish Rooms in Rosemary Lane and we have put in a wide range of cardio and resistant equipment.

"It is also planned to set up a GP referral scheme which will mean that for some people with health problems who need to take regular and specialist exercise they will be able to do so on their doorstep without getting into a car and driving for an hour."

The new gym is part of a Somerset Leisure initiative to help communities in rural areas adopt a healthier and fitter lifestyle.

Opening hours will be restricted initially until demand for the facilities increases.

More information is available from Ms Lethaby on 01643 708815.