A COMMUNITY fitness suite opens its doors to the public for the first time this weekend.

The Gymtastic Fitness Suite at Sedgefield Community College is holding two open days on Saturday and Sunday, between 10am and 3pm.

The suite will be open for use from next Monday.

It has been developed by the Sedgefield Community College Association, in partnership with the school.

A fitness suite was housed in the room for 18 years, and association members thought it was ready for improvement.

Grant money was used to refurbish the room and the association spent £30,000 on equipping it.

There are three treadmills, two cross-trainers, two bikes, a stepper and two Concept 2 rowers.

Rana Coates, administration manager for the community college association, said: "I think it's absolutely brilliant.

"A lot of the teachers and staff have already signed up to use it, but it is here for the community."

The suite will be open from 5.30pm to 9.30pm Monday to Fridays, and 10am to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

There will also be exclusive access times for juniors and women-only sessions.

For more information about membership costs, people can visit the suite at the weekend or telephone (01740) 621097.