Keeping fit will be child's play at the latest gym to open in Carlisle - as the city's newest fitness centre prepares to open with its own creche next door.

Trainer Barrie Scougal is opening a fitness and nutrition set-up in a former medical clinic on Harraby Green Business Park, off London Road.

But as well as the treadmills and the weights, the new gym will also come complete with somewhere for parents to leave youngsters while they work up a sweat.

Mr Scougal, 41, said: "We're offering a creche in partnership with the Highgrove Nursery School.

"People want to train but often they can't because there has been a lack of places catering for children.

"In America it's the norm and gyms in New York have creches."

Parents will need to book their children into the creche in advance. It will be £5 per session per child.

Mr Scougal, of Scotby, said: "The creche will be for under fives in the morning and under eights after 3pm.

"We hope parents will book their children in a week in advance."

The children will also get their own lessons on healthy living.

Gym staff will help educate the children on subjects like nutrition, healthy eating and fitness.

The Barrie Mark Fitness & Nutrition Centre will also offer classes including circuits, pilates and yoga as well as a bootcamp at 6am each day.

The price of the classes will be included in the membership fee.

Mr Scougal said: "We're working hard to get it ready.

"It's been full on and I feel like I haven't slept but it's all coming together.

"There will be between 12 and 15 members of staff at my new premises.

"We want to make the client the sole focus of what we do.

"The personal trainers will be there to help if you need it.

"They will help guide people to the right program to work in the gym, advise on what classes to do and what nutrition strategies will serve your lifestyle and needs the best.

"It's a very exciting time for me and something I've been thinking about for a while."

Mr Scougal's wife Marie, a beautician, will also be offering appointments at the new centre, which will have a beauty salon.

There will also be a members lounge with TV, tea and coffee and a sports massage therapist.

The centre will be open from 6am to 9pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday.

It is scheduled to open on Monday, April 10.