WORK has been completed on creating a new £20,000 outdoor gym.

The community facility, in Cliff Park, Dovercourt, drew a crowd of people at its official opening and they took the chance to try out the equipment.

The idea of the gym was backed by people living in the area and the scheme was undertaken by Tendring Council which runs the site.

Essex County Council Public Health came up with £10,000 towards the equipment and the rest was found from other sources.

Lynda McWilliams, Tendring Council’s councillor responsible for health and education, said she enjoyed trying out the facility.

She said: “It was great to see other cabinet members having a go as well along with Harwich town councillors and members of the public.

“I am sure the gym will be well used and it is in an ideal location on the seafront.

“The aim is to promote healthier lifestyles and wellbeing.”

Mick Skeels, Tendring Council’s councillor responsible for leisure, and Michael Talbot, councillor responsible for environment, also turned up and made the most of the opportunity.

A free 30-minute circuit class will be held every Monday from 2.15pm to 2.45pm with a fitness instructor present.

Tendring Council will be running the class with Community Voluntary Services Tendring as part of the National Lottery funded HILL project.

Cassie Barrett, Tendring’s public health improvement co-ordinator, said she was already looking into the idea of an outdoor gym when the council was approached by ward councillor Ivan Henderson and the Harwich Crime Prevention Panel.

She said: “It seems the initiative was high on everyone’s list of priorities and it has been a community effort.

“Now we hope the community will go along and enjoy it and make the most of the facility.”