A COMMUNITY outdoor gym in Cinderford has been expanded thanks to a £3,500 grant from Gloucestershire County Council's Grassroots Neighbourhood Fund.

The funding has enabled new equipment to be installed at the outdoor gym on the Miners Welfare Playing Field, giving residents more opportunities to take part in free exercise close to home.

The project, delivered by Cinderford Town Council, was supported by Cllr Ray Donaghue, Gloucestershire County Council member for Cinderford, following requests from local residents to improve the existing facilities.

The investment paid for the installation of new parallel bars and a square pull-up station, creating additional opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to stay active without the cost of a gym membership.

Cllr Donaghue said he was pleased to back the project and hoped the improvements would encourage more people to make use of the facility.

He said: "I'm delighted to support the Cinderford Outdoor Gym Project with this funding. Expanding these facilities will help more residents access free opportunities to improve their health and wellbeing.

"Outdoor exercise spaces remove many of the barriers people can face when trying to be active, and this investment will create a welcoming community resource that can be enjoyed by people of all ages."

The grant was awarded through the county council's £1.1 million Grassroots Neighbourhood Fund, which allows each of Gloucestershire's 55 county councillors to distribute up to £20,000 to local projects promoting health, wellbeing and stronger communities.

Cabinet member for public health, communities and fire, Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, said the fund was helping projects that make a genuine difference across the county.

He said: "It's great to see funding from the Grassroots Neighbourhood Fund supporting projects that make such a real and positive difference to people's lives."

Community groups can apply for grants of between £250 and £5,000 through the scheme.