A NORTH-EAST gym is offering free training for talented athletes on the cusp of making a career from their chosen sport.

Paragon performance centre in Darlington has already taken four sportspeople from the region onto its athlete development programme.

The gym, which specialises in strength and conditioning training, is offering them free specialised personal training, injury rehabilitation and nutrition advice while they bid to get to the next level in their sports.

The four involved so far are Lanchana Green, from Darlington, a professional mixed martial arts fighter who won her latest bout at the end of November, boxer Hannah Robinson, from Bishop Auckland, who is a national title winner, golfer Will Syddall, from Northallerton and Julian Osei-Bonsu, a sprinter who is studying biomedical sciences at Newcastle University.

Osei-Bonsu, who has had particular success over 60m indoors, also trains members at Paragon around his studies and athletic commitments.

Paragon managing director, Stephen McLean, a former footballer with Hartlepool United whose career was ended by injury, set up the athlete development programme because of his own sporting experiences.

“I know what it’s like having no money and wanting to progress your career,” he said. “If I had found somewhere like this to train I would have probably made a career out of football.

“The cost of personal training can be prohibitive for many sportspeople, so I want to help young, quality athletes.

“When you’re on the cusp of making it, for these guys, it can go either way. Without our help, it’s more likely to go the wrong way.”

Mr McLean, who has more than a decade of experience in the fitness industry, including working with elite athletes, hopes to help the group keep on track in their chosen sports, prevent them from suffering injuries and rehabilitate them if they do, and develop their strength.

He said: “It all boils down to the same thing – strength is the underlying principle. They need to be strong for their sport. It comes down to the minutest detail.”

Any talented sportspeople who think the programme could help them can contact the gym on Darlington’s Borough Road Industrial Estate by email at info@teamparagon.co.uk to find out more about the application process.

In tomorrow's Northern Echo: Stephen McLean on five things not to do in the gym this January if you're starting a New Year fitness regime – or continuing your existing one.