A PART time paid coach and runners are needed to help an innovative fitness project get off the ground.

GoodGym, a scheme which combines fitness with helping out in the community, is looking to open a branch in Colchester but needs to find 100 people interested in taking part, as well as a coach to lead the operation.

Founded in 2009 in London, GoodGym aims to help people get fit by doing good and has more than 1,500 members across the country. Bosses are aiming to open 25 more branches across the UK this year.

Spokesman Sophia Hill said: “In effect we're a running club with a difference, rather than going to a gym and lift things that don't need lifting, we put our energy to good use in the community each week.

“We do physical tasks that benefit our community and keep us fit, stuff like painting classrooms, weeding community allotments, helping out at foodbanks.

“We also pair runners with vulnerable older people who then commit to visit them once a week as part of their work out.”

There are 52 runners already signed up, but 48 more are required.

To register your interest or apply for the coach role visit goodgym.org/proposals/colchester