Students at a Lowestoft school have been limbering up and getting active thanks to new exercise equipment funded by the Big Lottery Fund.

Eastern Daily Press: Year Eight pupils at Ormiston Denes Academy try out the new fitness equipment from a lottery grant. PE teacher Michael Lewis with pupils, all aged 12, from left, Alan Able, Robbie Harris, Dalton Fuller and Declan Ashby. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYYear Eight pupils at Ormiston Denes Academy try out the new fitness equipment from a lottery grant. PE teacher Michael Lewis with pupils, all aged 12, from left, Alan Able, Robbie Harris, Dalton Fuller and Declan Ashby. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2016)

A grant of £9,600 has been awarded to Ormiston Denes Academy which has been invested in new fitness equipment to encourage students to exercise and learn further about how to live a healthy lifestyle.

Michael Lewis, physical education teacher at Ormiston Denes Academy, said:

'Pupils have been receiving inductions, during PE lessons, on how to use the new equipment and to try it out.

'Ideally it is aimed at the younger year groups but it is open to all ages and it is hoped this will promote a healthy and active lifestyle to the students.'

The new installation at the school features a range of equipment, applying to multiple muscle groups, including an exercise bike and leg press.

Around £20.1 million has been shared among 734 organisations across the country, in the latest round of grant awards from the Big Lottery Fund.

Year-8 student, Lucas Mendonca, 12, explained: 'Before the new equipment was installed it was just an empty space really, now it looks better and it is cool for people to do something rather than just standing around at break times.'

Kevin Oldman, premises and facilities manager at Ormiston Denes Academy, added: 'The funding has allowed the academy to install outdoor gym equipment within our social spaces, ensuring the equipment is accessible to both our students and the local community via our Community Sports Centre.

'Outdoor gym equipment is an ideal way to introduce users of all ages into a regular and varied fitness routine, encouraging gentle workouts across multiple muscle groups.

'We would like to extend our thanks to the Big Lottery as we continue to enhance our community provision.'

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