A community gym will bring a raft of benefits to people living nearby, says a town councillor.

Mirehouse Community Centre is expected to gain planning permission on Wednesday to convert The Winning Post betting shop into a gym.

And town councillor for Mirehouse, Siobhan Gearing, said if given the go-ahead, the gym will bring a a range of opportunities to the area.

"I think this will have a huge benefit to the residents of Mirehouse of all ages, and will help with people's fitness, health and even weightloss," she said

"It will help many kids get off the street and give them something to focus on and will help many other residents make new friends and have fun while keeping fit."

She added: "What Carl Walmsley (chair of the community centre) is doing is an amazing thing and I have no doubt in my mind that he and his team will make sure this gym will have a huge impact in Mirehouse."

The community group will take on the building for a year on a peppercorn rent to Copeland Council, with a monthly rolling contract afterwards.

Mr Walmsley said the ultimate aim of the community gym is to "help as many residents as possible."

He runs a Facebook group, called #mirehousematters, for the Mirehouse community. He said a recent poll showed the people of the estate were "crying out" for a fitness gym, but some couldn't afford memberships, didn't have adequate travel or childcare or did not feel comfortable in a normal gym environment.

A council report states: "This building is currently vacant and in a poor condition. Its reuse and refurbishment to form a gymnasium is welcome and will provide an additional facility for the community within this part of Whitehaven and is welcome."