A COUNCIL has bowed to pressure from youngsters to open up gyms to them in a bid to improve health and fitness.

Youngsters will soon be allowed to use Sedgefield Borough Council's four gyms after young campaigners demanded bosses rethink their user age limits.

From December 1, children over 11 and at secondary school, can workout at Newton Aycliffe, Spennymoor, Ferryhill and Shildon Sunnydale Leisure Centres.

They will have to complete an induction session before being allowed to use most of the equipment at each fitness suite, during off-peak times.

The turnaround in policy came after a series of meetings between leisure bosses and young women who fought for better access to exercise activities.

The girls were involved in a voluntary project to find out why many local teenage girls - the most difficult group to engage in regular physical activities - were not exercising.

Research teams in Spennymoor and Newton Aycliffe found that the overwhelming majority wanted to join a gym.

The girls then called meetings with leisure centre managers and council officers, urging them to pull down the barriers that prevent girls from exercising.

This week's development follows the launch of girls-only sports clubs in Spennymoor and Ferryhill which were also on the groups' wish-lists.

Glenis Newby, from Investing in Children, which ran the project, said: "The girls are absolutely delighted they can use the gym after school and at weekends and really grateful the council listened to their suggestions.

"Now they want other girls to make use of the service, proving there is the demand their research showed and benefiting from their effort."

Sedgefield Primary Care Trust commissioned the project with funds from Sport England because improving the health and fitness of young women is a top priority for both organisations.

The move strengthens The Northern Echo's A Chance To Live health campaign which aims to tackle the area's high rates of coronary heart disease and obesity which are among the worst in the country.

Working closely with Sedgefield Borough Council, The Echo encourages people to eat sensibly, take regular exercise, stop smoking and look after their hearts.