Football legend Tony Cottee is to officially open the Outdoor Gym in Norwood Park on Friday May 11.

The Friends of Norwood Park successfully won a £44,000 grant from Community Spaces to have an outdoor gym in the park off Salters Hill, West Norwood, SE19 1AR.

Sky Sports pundit Tony Cottee, who played for West Ham and England, will open the gym at 3pm and there will be a personal trainer on hand to give advice about how to best use the equipment.

Park Leisure successfully tendered for the contract and completed the gym on The Ridge opposite the playground at the end of February.

The gym, which includes basket ball and table tennis, along with exercise equipment from a fitness bike to a shoulder press is a welcome addition to existing facilities in the park.

The aim is for it to be used by young and old alike to improve health and fitness.

A spokesperson for the Friends said: “We hope as many locals and park users as possible will turn out to attend the official opening.

“The gym has only been open a few weeks but already it is a massive hit with local people.

“When the weather was good it was unbelievable how many people, especially school children, were using the equipment.

Adding: “We believe the gym will be a great facility for all park users. It will also enhance existing facilities in the park and what’s great about it is it is free to use.

“We would like to thank everyone who supported The Friends in this bid including Lambeth Council.”

For more information visit: www.friendsofnorwoodpark.co.uk or email friendsofnorwoodpark@gmail.com Based on information supplied by Andrea Perry.