A Workington gym has opened a new fitness and wellbeing centre to help combat diabetes and other illnesses.

The Together We CIC gym at Clay Flatts has opened the centre to empower people to take control over their physical and mental wellbeing.

It was formally declared open by Mayor of Workington, Councillor Barbara Cannon, who said: "I think this is a magnificent facility you are doing.

"I knew someone who had diabetes and he went to a gym and had the diabetes reversed. Here we have these facilities that are accessible to everyone and can actually help combat diabetes."

Janine Ward, one of the gym owners, said: "My sister Sam and I would like to thank all of the supporters, funders, team and service users/members for their patience and ongoing support in Together We and to the builders and contractors that constructed the building at cost price.

"The new studio will house several projects including the brand new diabetes project. We could not have opened it today without the help of all involved. We couldn't have done it without the Cumbria County Council Allerdale Local Committee and our voluntary directors."

Heather Nixon, county council community development officer said: "They have come a long way over the last 12 months and have a development programme that is going to help people in our communities to have healthier lifestyles."

The gym will take referrals from GPs and from the integrated care community, voluntary sector organisations and the community and will be for diabetics, and people with pre-diabetic conditions and other issues such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, long term pain and also mental illnesses.

Ms Ward said that her family knew first hand the pain that could be caused through mental illness as her brother committed suicide due to mental health issues. They don't want others to have to go through this experience.

She added that they were not in it for monetary gain, but to help people prevent mental and physical illness through sport.

Sessions will be kept at a low cost as they have been subsidised by lottery funding and Sport England, she said.