Kinver Fitness Collective gathers pace

The group has gone from strength to strength and already has more than 200 members on Facebook who have arranged regular runs, walks and rides for the community to take part in.

Interest has proved so popular, that the group has received funding from a number of different sources including Staffordshire Police, Kinver Flag Fund, Kinver Country Fayre and from local district councillors.

The money has been ring fenced to provide high visibility clothing, lighting, training, running costs, a website and club vests.

Already the group is planning to launch an ambitious schools programme to involve between 700 to 800 pupils, which has been planned for just before February half term.

A walking group has started meeting every Thursday evening at Potters Cross from 6.30pm, while another group walks from Oak Tree on Sunday evenings from 6.30pm A regular running group meets on Wednesday evening at Potters Cross at 7.30pm, while Sunday runs take place from the Kinver Methodist Church at 11.30pm.

There are also regular postings advertising various cycle rides.

Jane Bolas, one of the driving forces behind Kinver Fitness Collective, said: "I'm absolutely thrilled how this has taken off.

"The idea came from Community Liaison Officer PC Wayne Green and runner Sally Harris who wanted to see people exercise safely within groups, while enjoying the countryside.

"By the amount of people we now taking part, it identified a real need in the village and it has really sparked people's imagination. The lovely thing is that so many young people are taking part.

"It's all down to the beauty of Facebook, where members can post when they are going out and ask if anyone wants to join them.

"Lots of people are giving up their time and working together to make this group a success.

"Kinver Fitness Collective caters for people of all abilities and it's absolutely free to take part.

"At this rate, we'll soon be the fittest village in South Staffordshire."