A NEW way to keep fit while doing a good deed for someone in the community is coming to Wanstead.

Launched in 2009 in a number of London boroughs and other cities across the country, GoodGym gets people fit and doing good in their area by helping out with community projects at the same time.

GoodGym Redbridge is due to launch in Wanstead later this month, supported by the Genesis Housing Association and Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure.

The first community run will start at Wanstead Community House Association on Monday July 25, when participants will be put through their paces with a short run and a mystery do-good mission.

As the weeks go on, fitness fanatics in the borough can chose to be paired with a single elderly person in the area, running to their house to stop them feeling lonely and keeping in shape at the same time.

GoodGym Redbridge runs will be lead by marathon runner and Ironman enthusiast James Poole.

He said: “I’m delighted to be combining my passion for running with doing good in my local community.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting and working with all the runners in Redbridge.”

Chief executive of Genesis Housing Association Neil Hadden added: “At a time when cuts are being made to local services, it’s more important than ever we continue to support grassroots projects like GoodGym.

“We hope it will make a real difference to the everyday lives of people in Redbridge, as it has in so many places across the country.”

To sign up to GoodGym Redbridge’s first run at 6.45pm on July 25 for free, go to https://www.goodgym.org/areas/redbridge.