A GYMNASTICS club is looking to the future after installing new solar panels with the help of a £20,000 grant from Forest of Dean District Council.

Council representatives recently visited Forest of Dean Gymnastics and Fitness to see the completed installation, which was funded through the authority’s Rural England Prosperity Fund Community Asset Grant scheme.

The investment is expected to help reduce the club’s energy costs while generating renewable electricity for its purpose-built gymnastics centre.

Founded in 1976, Forest of Dean Gymnastics Club has been serving the local community for 50 years. The club operates from its dedicated facility in Berry Hill, which opened in 1996, and provides gymnastics opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.

Programmes range from Gym Tots sessions for younger children through to competitive squads, with hundreds of local youngsters and families attending classes each week.

The centre is also a regular host venue for competitions and events, including Gloucestershire championships, West Country League fixtures and South West competitions. Local primary school events are also held at the venue, bringing visitors from across the region into the Forest of Dean.

Forest of Dean District Council said it was proud to support the project and help secure the long-term future of an important community facility.

A spokesperson said the solar panel installation would improve the sustainability of the centre by generating renewable energy and reducing operating costs.

The council added that the project would help protect the club as a valued community asset while supporting affordable access to sport and physical activity for local residents in the years ahead.

Forest of Dean Gymnastics Club remains one of the region’s longest-established sporting organisations and continues to provide opportunities for local people to develop confidence, coordination, strength and flexibility in a safe and supportive environment.