A FITNESS centre partly funded by the people of Cleobury Mortimer has proved a resounding success in its first few weeks.

More than 250 members of the public have taken part in an induction course to the centre which has been built next to Lacon Childe School.

The £100,000 facility is used by pupils aged over 15 during the school day but opens to the public from 5pm.

The school was awarded sports college status in September and the community raised £50,000, which was match-funded with Government cash, as part of plans to provide improved facilities for townsfolk.

The school's changing rooms were refurbished as the first part of the plans before the new centre, which features treadmills, exercise bikes and rowing machines, opened at the end of November.

Future plans will see it linked to the school's sports hall.