Wellness On Wheels (WOW), the North-East's pioneering mobile gym, has been shortlisted for a national award.

WOW is working its way around the Wear Valley as part of a project designed to bring gym facilities close to isolated rural towns and villages.

Now the trailer, which is equipped with exercise equipment and a sophisticated fitness monitoring system, has the chance to win a Sports Industry Award at a star-studded event in London on April 27.

WOW staff will be up against national organisations such as Manchester City Football Club, NatWest and the Bank of Scotland in the sport England Community Programme award.

This category highlights community programmes that have most effectively helped people to start, stay and succeed in sport.

Since the start of the year, the trailer has been based in Stanhope, in Weardale, County Durham, where staff have introduced more than 300 people to the joys of working out.

As part of the campaign to improve fitness and overall health, trailer staff have linked up with local GPs who can now refer patients to the gym for exercise.

Patients are also being encouraged to take part in weekly health walks from the trailer.

Natalie Drew, who manages the trailer, said: "We are over the moon to have been shortlisted for this award - it has made our day. The awards are very respected in the field of sport and knowing that we are in with a chance to win is extremely positive.

"The WOW gym has been such a success here in the Wear Valley and we certainly feel very proud to be considered for such an accolade."

The £1m project was largely funded by a £640,000 grant from Sport England as part of its efforts to promote exercise across the UK. WOW is also backed by Wear Valley District Council, Northumbrian Water, Technogym and The Northern Echo.