FOLLOWING major modernisation and refurbishment works at a cost of more than £750,000, Easington Colliery’s new Health works centre– based at the former Waterworks building in Paradise Lane – will be opened by John Cummings, MP for Easington, and four children from local schools.

The children are Craig Luck, 13, from Glendene School and Community Arts College; Georgie Smith, 10, from Our Lady Star of the Sea; Rebecca Smith, 8, from Easington Colliery Primary School, and Chynna Holmes, 10, from Yohden Primary School.

Lady Ann Calman, Chair of CountyDurham PCT, is one of a number of VIP guests who will be attending the opening.

There will be a number of activities taking place during the afternoon, including tile painting, story telling and smoothie taster sessions.

Newcastle United goalkeeper, Steve Harper, will also be attending the event. Steve, who was born in Easington, will be joining local people in the cardiovascular suite, giving demonstrations of the fitness equipment in Fitworks (Children’s Gym) and highlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

This modern new community facility, which will be run and managed by County Durham PCT, was developed as part of theneighbourhood renewal programme inpartnership withthe District of Easington Council, Northumbrian Water, East Durham Local Strategic Partnership, Neighbourhood Management Pathfinder and other stakeholders.

The local community has been greatly involved in the development of the centre through public consultation and involvement events.

Healthworks will provide the people of Easington District with avenue in a community setting which brings together a wide range of service providers and community groups to address real issues that affect the quality of life of those in our community.

A huge range of facilities are being made available, some of which include Fitworks, weight management programmes, men’s health service, a food coop, healthy eating courses and citizens and benefit advice.

Local services such as Police, Age Concern and podiatry are also available and there are many interesting opportunities for volunteers to help out at the centre.

Lady Ann Calman, Chair of County Durham PCT, said: “Health works is a ground-breaking initiative which will make a real difference towards improving the health of the people of Easington District. The centre will provide services and a focal point for the local community where everyone can benefit.

“In Easington District, as in other areas of the country, there are concerns about the rising trend of obesity and other health issues in children and young people. The new healthy living centre will give a range of organisations and community groups the opportunity to focus on real issues which affect the quality of life of the people of Easington District. Hopefully we will see people livinghealthier lifestyles inthe future.”

Councillor Eunice Huntington, Executive Member for Health at District of Easington, said: “Building a healthy community is a key priority for the council. Good health is important to every resident in the district as it affects their ability to enjoy a full and productive life.

“Great progress has been made in improving the health experience of all residents in the District of Easington. The Healthworks centre is another important step in delivering services that directly help people to livehealthy lifestyles.”