YOUNG people who want to get into shape can now work out, thanks to a lottery grant.

Swindon Children’s Scrapstore has used a £9,609 grant from the Big Lottery Awards For All programme to set up Scrappers Boxing Gym and Community Fitness in the Scrapstore premises in Bridgemead Business Park in Westmead.

The gym opened its doors for the first time yesterday and will be offering opportunities to disadvantaged young people in low income communities from Monday to Friday.

Olivia McCann, the manager of the Scrapstore charity and social enterprise said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for local young people who cannot afford to go to commercial gyms, to get fit and learn from professional boxers.

“At the Scrappers Gym we’ll make sure the cost is affordable.”

The Swindon Scrapstore is a registered charity and social enterprise that provides volunteering and supported employment opportunities for disadvantaged young people in Swindon aged 13 to 24.

The gym will provide direct support for any one aged 13 to 24 who wants to work out, put something back into their community, gain a qualification or focus their time and energy into positive activities.

“We will offer a range of boxing and fitness related activities, including coach development and education, personal development programmes for excluded pupils and those not in education, training or employment,” said Olivia.

Two former boxers have also joined forces with Swindon Children's Scrapstore to help young people get fit and focused.

Multi-nations games silver medalist and Swindon’s first ABA champion, Paul Rogers, and two-times British kick boxing champion, Andy Brown, are volunteering their time to help motivate the young people.

“We’re working with Paul and Andy to provide a safe, supportive and welcoming environment at the new gym to reduce isolation and increase participation,” Olivia said.

Scrappers Gym is at Unit 5 Bridgemead Business Centre, Bridgemead close, Westmead It will be open from will be from 7pm to 8.30pm.

For more information visit www.scrapstore.co.uk or phone 01793 513982.