OUTDOOR fitness equipment is about to be installed in Winchester offering free opportunities for people to stay fit.

The £20,000 gym next to the play area on Imber Road, Winnall, offers the chance for anyone to boost their fitness. It is free to use.

The funding has come from the city council’s open space fund for a health walker, sit-up bench, power-push, pulldown challenger, handle-boat, push-hands, ski-stepper and mini-ski, all set on a soft surface.

Cllr Patricia Stallard, portfolio holder for culture, heritage and sport, said: “As a Council we do all we can to improve the health and wellbeing of residents in our community. Some of the equipment is particularly important for older users; it improves flexibility and agility of joints.

“Now there is no excuse not to keep fit whilst enjoying the great outdoors. We hope that residents will lead an active and healthy lifestyle while being able to socialise at the same time.”