A NEW outdoor gym has been opened in West Parley in a bid to boost health and well-being and combat isolation.

The gym has been provided by West Parley parish council with the help of volunteers and donations from many local organisations and funding schemes.

One of the groups to make a donation was the Steve Bernard Foundation, which provided a special piece of equipment for people with disabilities.

The foundation was set up in memory of former Bournemouth School pupil and promising sportsman Steve Bernard, who died in a car crash in 2005, shortly after starting university in Chichester.

His dad, Tony, was invited to perform the opening ceremony at the outdoor gym, situated in the recreation ground.

The parish council hope the residents enjoy the facility and use it to help with their health and fitness.