Dearne Valley Leisure Centre has launched a new ‘Youth Gym’ - which features the Easyline quick training circuit - and is the first Local Authority Trust in the country to do so.

The new gym - aimed at children aged between 12-16 and offered on a ‘pay as you go’ basis - was promoted at a launch event at the Leisure Centre on 1 May and opened officially to the public on 14 May.

Instructors offered fitness testing to children on the day and Easyline circuit sessions were held on the hour to enable children to try the equipment out for themselves.

In addition to Easyline, which is installed in a separate area, the gym also features a selection of free weights, trampolines, ladders and shuttle runs. Parents are involved in the induction, although the Youth Gym is only open to children.

During school hours, Easyline can be block booked by other schools in order to maximise usage of the facility. Also during school hours, Easyline has been a popular feature for GP referral schemes.

Currently there are around 16 people in each class using Easyline equipment on a regular basis and it has proven popular amongst the over 50s market who enjoy the social aspect of the circuit.

Dearne Valley Leisure Centre opened around five years ago and the Trust is hoping to secure funding for a separate purpose built youth fitness area in the near future.