Local community project, Kenton Park Sports Centre, has been praised by Catherine McKinnell MP for the great work it does with residents in Kenton.

The Newcastle North MP described the sports centre’s work as “fantastic” when she visited the venue to meet local gym enthusiasts and staff.

Her visit began with a tour of the centre’s facilities, which include a soft play area, a crèche, a health and fitness centre, a multi-purpose sports hall and a café for members of the local community to enjoy. The centre provides a number of different exercise programmes, for people of all ages, which promotes positive health and wellbeing.

Kenton Park was recently awarded £9,800 from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.

During her visit Catherine learned how the sports centre will put the money to good use, renovating the centre’s fitness facilities and installing new, state-of-the-art gym equipment.

Staff hope that the new exercise and weights machines and refurbished rooms will help to encourage local residents – of all ages and backgrounds to stay fit and lead more active lifestyles.

Catherine said:

‘It was great to catch up with the team at Kenton Park and I’m delighted they’ve been successful in securing thousands of pounds of National Lottery funding to help them to continue to support local residents in getting active and staying fit.’

Bobby Richardson, Centre Manager, said:

‘The centre is a hub of exercise and activity, here in Kenton. Thanks to National Lottery players we’ll ensure that our gym continues to serve the needs of the community for many years.’

Duncan Nicholson, Head of Regional Funding for the North-East and Cumbria at The National Lottery Community Fund, said:

‘We’re proud to support ideas and projects that matter to people and communities. By funding facilities like Kenton Park Sports Centre, money from the National Lottery continues to enable communities to thrive and help people lead happier, healthier lives.’

The National Lottery Community Fund distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes. Last year it awarded over half a billion pounds (£508.5 million) and supported over 11,000 projects across the UK for health, education, environment and charitable purposes, with 90% of the grants under £10,000.

To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk