A free health and fitness club for youngsters has just been launched in Ely. There will be a series of activities and workshops centred on physical activity, including dance, aerobics, martial arts and various sports. The club has a full-scale climbing w

A free health and fitness club for youngsters has just been launched in Ely.

There will be a series of activities and workshops centred on physical activity, including dance, aerobics, martial arts and various sports.

The club has a full-scale climbing wall and there are plans to build a basketball court.

Based at the Lighthouse Centre in Ely, the project is being developed in conjunction with young people who have expressed an interest in being fit and healthy.

It is being led by Arts Development for East Cambridgeshire (ADeC), which is working with the Youth Service.

Louise Taylor, from ADeC, said: "The youngsters themselves will be leading the group. They will tell us exactly what they want and we shall try to provide that for them. Many young people will be taking the workshops, so they will be really positive role models."

The Garage is part of a three year creative development programme for young people in Ely and Littleport, financed by the Big Lottery Fund.

It has a health and fitness suite and a healthy eating and lifestyle programme.

Jenny Loaker, The Garage project co-ordinator, said: "The centre will have a healthy eating cafe to encourage youngsters to combine a balanced diet with physical activity and we will hold cookery classes to educate them about healthy foods."

A family fun day kicked off the project on May 12.

Youngsters took part in capoeira (a fusion of kicks, dance, acrobatics and martial arts) and street dance demonstrations came from Dance Offensive. There was also live digital projection with professional digital film-maker, a range of arts and crafts and a healthy barbecue.

Ten to 12-year-olds will meet every Monday, from 7-9pm, and youngsters aged 13-16 will meet on Wednesdays, from 7.30-9.30pm at The Lighthouse Centre, Lynn Road, Ely.

Ms Taylor said: "With the emergence of the 2012 Olympics it is enlightening to see young people taking an interest in their health and well-being."

Two youth workers are training volunteers to run the project. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer, or finding out more about the project, should telephone Jenny Loaker on 07733 013243, or visit the ADeC website www.adec.org.uk