A STRING of new gymnasiums is being set up in the wake of the successful Wellness On Wheels fitness initiative.

Last year, the Wellness On Wheels (WOW! ) mobile gym began its mission to take fitness facilities to the Wear Valley district of County Durham.

The £1m project has been visited by thousands of people since it began operating in the area.

Now, it has emerged that a string of fitness centres in the district will be set up.

The first four are to be established at Bishop Auckland College, Wolsingham School, Parkside School, in Willington, and St John's Chapel, in Weardale.

If the project is successful, up to 12 permanent gyms will be established across the Wear Valley.

Natalie Drew, WOW! manager, said: "One of the biggest challenges facing the WOW! team is how do we get people to continue their fitness programmes once the truck has moved on.

"The fitness suites are a perfect way to provide a permanent fitness facility for those in remote areas, to help achieve the overall aim of improving general health and fitness in the Wear Valley district."

The first suite to open is a converted former corridor next to Bishop Auckland College's sports hall.

It will transfer into a new sports hall when the existing college buildings are replaced.

Initially aimed at college employees, it will charge members £10 a month to use the Technogym fitness equipment.

WOW! Is backed by Wear Valley District Council, Durham Dales Primary Care Trust, Sport England, The Northern Echo, Northumbrian Water and Technogym.