A GREAT grandad who loves to keep fit has converted the old coal house in his home into a gym.

Joe Grimes, from Dipton, near Stanley, in County Durham, wanted a home gym after being told by his doctors to keep fit after he suffering a heart problem.

The 75-year-old, of Murray Terrace, works out at least three times a week and was able to create the gym following work by housing association Karbon Homes to convert the former single brick thick coal houses into a usable living area.

He now has a cross trainer, exercise bike, bench press and free weights to help him keep himself in shape.

He said: “When Karbon told me about the proposed works that would be undertaken to my home, I knew immediately that I would use this space to create a gym so I can keep fit in the comfort of my own home.

“I lost my wife of 50 years earlier this year so exercising helps me to keep my mind off things and stay focussed, I enjoy it.

“The extended space has made a big difference to my home, I’m over the moon with it and I know my neighbours who have had the same work done are also pleased with their new living space.”

The housing association spent £92,000 doing the work at 42 properties in Dipton.

It means the bungalows in Tennyson Gardens, Coleridge Gardens, Delight Row and Murray Terrace have an extra 3m by 2m room.

David Graham, from Karbon Homes, said: “As part of our planned maintenance programme, we converted the single brick outbuildings by creating usable spaces. This has provided residents with dining room or sitting space but has also created additional storage space for these bungalows.

“Feedback from residents has been really positive and made their homes much more habitable and sustaining.

“It’s lovely that Mr Grimes has been able to use his space as a fitness room and he’s looking in great shape at 75.”