On the trail of better fitness for children

24/04/2008

A MINI fitness trail has been launched to help youngsters get active and enjoy the great outdoors.

County Durham Primary Care Trust has devised the trim trail, featuring an outdoor classroom designed for children from four to 11.

Designed as part of the Healthworks complex in Easington Colliery, its purpose is to improve fitness and agility.

advertisementMade of wood, it features balance beams, chin-ups, hurdles, parallel bars, with the outdoor classroom in an enclosed area.

The project is a partnership between the County Durham Primary Care Trust, which runs Healthworks, Northumbrian Water Ltd and Easington District Council.

Local artist David Gross worked with a group of young people to design the wooden sculpture classroom area, which fits in with the Healthworks theme.

Northumbrian Water funded a graffiti mural depicting super heroes on the trim trail area fencing.

Local schools will be encouraged to use the trim trail as part of the curriculum.

The trust's Healthworks co-ordinator, Fiona Maher, said: "Trim trails are an ideal way for young Tarzans and Janes to get fit while having fun.

"They are excellent for developing balance, skill, agility and co-ordination."

The trail was opened on Tuesday by Jenny Flynn, a non-executive director for the trust.

It was christened by a party of local school children, who were the first to benefit from the facility.

12:12pm Thursday 24th April 2008

The Northern Echo - www.thenorthernecho.co.uk