South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) has funded a unique gym in Lichfield to help it hit its Government targets.

The project - at Friary Grange Leisure Centre, a dual use site on the grounds of The Friary School - received more than £51,000 from the PCT towards the cost of the equipment, as well as a £46,000 Section 106 grant to fund the conversion of an under-used squash court to house the gym.

A mezzanine floor has been added to the squash court to double its space, allowing for an interactive gym on the top floor, featuring ZigZag’s Xer-Dance platforms and three Sportwalls. The dance platforms are portable and can be packed away when not in use, so the top floor can also be used for spinning classes.

The ZigZag interactive gym will be available to The Friary School as well as other primary and secondary schools and specialist groups. Evening and weekend programmes will be developed to cater for local needs, including the swimming club's land training, women only classes and special needs and disability sessions.

The leisure centre will work together with the PCT to target specialist groups such as children and older people and tackle conditions such as diabetes and obesity. It already runs a range of programmes including GP referral, cardiac rehabilitation, a mental health scheme and a Play on Prescription scheme.

Also available at Friary Grange is an Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) accredited fitness suite, a 25m pool, a five-court sports hall, two squash courts, a multi purpose room and a crèche.