YOUNGSTERS at St Elphin’s (Fairfield) CE Primary can hone their fitness skills at the school’s new outdoor gym.

The facilities were officially opened earlier this month at the school on Farrell Street to help pupils improve their health and fitness.

A variety of exercise machines have been installed including two treadmills, two hand bikes, two resistance bikes and two core twists in the gym on the key stage two playground.

There are also parallel bars and horizontal bars on the site to help pupils to build up their upper body strength.

It is hoped the gym will inspire more youngsters to take part in physical outdoor exercise.

Sports co-ordinator at the school Mr Baker said: “The equipment has helped keep children occupied at playtime as well as help them to release some of their built-up energy.

“Some of the sports teams have even used it as additional training.

“Children have enjoyed using the equipment before school as well as during their playtimes and PE lessons.”

The new gym equipment was built in the wake of the school receiving the Association for Physical Education Award for ‘demonstrating good commitment to improvement in physical education and sport’.

Mr Baker added: “Following our recent Sports Marks Award 2017, St Elphin’s continues to develop its outside and extracurricular opportunities to help keep children active at every opportunity.”

Youngsters have been taught how to use the equipment correctly with the help of the Sports Council.