A FITNESS suite allowing disabled people to train alongside the able bodied is planned for a sports complex in the region.

In what is thought to be a first in the North-East, the Ormesby Sports Complex, in Middlesbrough, Teesside, is hoping to introduce the facility.

The suite would operate like a regular gym, with members paying a set fee. Each machine would be accessible to wheelchairs, with moveable seats and attachments that could be replaced for able-bodied users.

While funding for the facility has yet to be secured, Jan Ayling, the sports complex manager, is confident it will be.

"Although the room is there, we are going to need initial funding for the equipment," she said.

"But we have had a lot of interest from local physiotherapy departments, and what we are planning is that they will use it during the day and the general public will use it in the evenings and at weekends."

The £2m complex, which was 87 per cent funded by a Sport England Lottery Grant, is already being used by pupils at Ormesby Comprehensive School.

It was designed to cater for the requirements of special needs pupils, for which the school is a centre of excellence.

From today, the public will also be able to make use of its facilities, including a sports hall, aerobics studio, games room and meeting rooms.

Ms Ayling said: "We are aiming to give people with disabilities and equal opportunity to train without the need for supervision and without feeling disadvantaged.

"I think the fitness suite is much needed in the area, and we are hoping it will be up and running by the end of April," she said