THE latest North-East gym to be given a "WOW factor" has opened at a day centre for people with learning disabilities.

The facility at the Aucklandgate Centre, in Tindale Crescent, Bishop Auckland, is the sixth Legacy gym to open following a visit from a Wellness on Wheels trailer, currently taking fitness training out to communities across Wear Valley.

A seventh has also opened at nearby Coundon and others are already being planned.

At Aucklandgate, the benefits will be two-fold. Clients at the centre have already worked hard to get the gym open and this has helped them mix with other volunteers from the area.

The second aim is to get more people taking exercise, by offering them an affordable service. Admission to the Fit and Healthy gym costs £1.50, with a £1 charge for children.

Schools in the area will be taking their pupils to try out the gym this term. One of the visitors will be Niall Fenwick, aged ten, from Copeland Road Primary School, who won a competition to design the gym's logo.

Athlete Susan Deacon, who opened the gym, said: "I can't stress enough how much exercise can give us.

"Having this facility will encourage people to become fitter and healthier."

Martin Hughes, locality manager for Durham County Council, who runs the centre, said: "This is a great opportunity for people with learning disabilities to mix with other people.

"It has the benefit of getting people fit and helping with integration at the same time."

Volunteer Colin Metcalfe said: "I am really excited about the gym. I can't wait to get started. I hope everyone comes along and gets fit."