A COMMUNITY will soon benefit from an outdoor gym thanks to a £5,000 grant.

Social housing provider and communities business, livin, has donated the money to allow Trimdon Colliery Community Association to go ahead with the project.

The aim is to improve residents’ health and wellbeing, while improving community spirit by bringing people together.

The funding, from the livin Communities Fund, will allow Trimdon Colliery Community Association to enhance current play facilities in the village, including formalising the entrance to the recreation area, planting new trees and flowers, and installating an outdoor gym.

It is also expected that the introduction of 12 to 15 pieces of gym equipment will help to restore the appearance of the area, while creating a safe environment for the community to meet and exercise.

Trimdon Colliery Association is working in partnership with Groundwork North-East and Cumbria on the project and the improvements are expected to be in place within two months.

Durham county councillor Lucy Hovvels, who represents Trimdon and Thornley, said the community association was delighted to work with other organisations to develop the gym, adding: “The outdoor gym will be free to access, easy to use and is aimed to improve health and wellbeing of local communities and a greater awareness of the benefits physical activity.”

For more information about the livin community fund visit livin.co.uk