A group of local fitness enthusiasts and former members of Catmose Sports Centre are hoping to launch a community fitness centre following the controversial closure of the Huntsman's Drive facility.

And the team are hosting a meeting on Saturday to spread the word and involve the local community.

A self-sustaining, community, exercise co-operative for Oakham and the surrounding area, Oakham Co-operative Fitness will "prioritise creating a community with healthy minds and bodies". 

Following the closure of Catmose Sports Centre on 31 May, a group of local fitness enthusiasts have come together with the intention of launching a member-owned fitness space in Rutland's county town.

Now, the group have set up a fundraiser to kick start this concept, and have so far raised £3,792 of their £7,500 target, giving their dreams of a community fitness space a running start.

The organisers explained more about the scheme: "Oakham Co-Operative Fitness will deliver group fitness classes in a community space. We know that the social aspect of exercise classes is really important so we will provide a designated space, where the community can come together around class; we will explore options to allow personal workouts. In addition, our instructors will be able to offer PT and sports massage from our venue."

Having already held one successful public meeting on 3 June, the team are hosting another open session for people to drop in and find out more.

On Saturday 8 June from 11am to 1pm at Oakham's Victoria Hall, residents can meet the team, learn about how Oakham Co-operative Fitness will run and what has happened so far.

The team said: "This is your chance to come along, meet the team behind the project, learn about how we envision it running, what progress we have made so far, and how you can help us take this forward. If you have questions this will be a great time to get them answered! If you have ideas this will be a great time to share them with us!"

Find out more here.