DISABLED people in Bromsgrove can get fit at a specially equipped gym, the first of its kind in the county.

The Fitness Initiative Gym, at Haybridge Sports Centre, in Brake Lane, Hagley, has spent £30,000 on new equipment to allow disabled people to train alongside able-bodied people.

The money has been used to buy six specially adapted pieces of equipment including a treadmill, dual adjustable pulley and a body ergometer.

Bromsgrove District Council gave £10,000 towards the initiative, which also received grants of £20,000 from the English Federation of Disability Sport Operating Company and Sport England.

Bromsgrove District Council cabinet member for leisure, Councillor Brian Taylor (Con-Alvechurch), said: "We are delighted to be able to provide this."

such a facility for local people who enjoy sport and hope it will be just the beginning of a much wider project for the district."

Members of disabled groups throughout the district have been invited to attend the official launch of the gym next Wednesday, August 14.

Sport England chairman and TV soccer pundit Trevor Brooking said: "Improving sports opportunities for disabled people is a main aim of Sport England.

"We are proud to have helped set up the special gym at Hagley to improve fitness opportunities for people in the area."