A former betting shop in Whitehaven will be converted into a gym after plans were given the go-ahead.

Copeland councillors approved Mirehouse Community Centre's application to turn The Winning Post into a gym at Wednesday's planning meeting.

The council has allowed the community group to take on the building for 12 months on a peppercorn rent, with a rolling monthly contract afterwards.

Planning officer Nick Hayhurst said: "It is very welcome as the proposal puts a vacant building into good use.

"It is a modest building in a dilapidated condition which will be refurbished so it is fit for purpose."

Community centre representatives had discovered that the empty former betting shop building was owned by Copeland Council and arranged a meeting with mayor Mike Starkie, who agreed to the give it to them on a peppercorn rent.

Speaking previously, the community centre's chairman Carl Walmsley said: "We decided to branch out on the estate as our ultimate aim is to help as many residents as possible.

"Together we are wanting to help bring down some of the shockingly high statistics in the area regarding social deprivation, obesity and general health and well being.

"I'm really excited about this project and we can't wait to see the results."