TWO bodybuilders are aiming to bring an inclusive gym environment to Barrow.

Kade Kendall and Jo Walker, who have almost 50 years of experience between them, are the men behind Transformation Unit - a 24 hour gym which was approved by the Barrow Borough Council's planning committee earlier this month.

The gym will be the result of the amalgamation of units 12 and 14 at Forge Close.

Mr Walker, who is also a firefighter, said: "I have been involved for over 30 years in the industry. It’s a lifetime passion and I am always learning and want to pass it on to others.

"Although myself and Kade have come from a bodybuilding background we are committed that this facility is going to offer the best equipment for everyone, it’s not purely for bodybuilders.

"We are going to be inclusive of everybody, gender, race, ethnicity - everyone is welcome in our facility and everyone will be treated with equality.

"It is without question a massive passion of both of ours and we want to pass that enthusiasm onto everyone else."

Jo got Kade into bodybuilding around 15 years ago, which sparked a love for fitness.

Kade, who has had his own personal training company for six years, said: "The business has always been a goal of ours and something we've always spoken about but we had to wait until the time was right to do it.

"We came across the two units and everything just sort of fell into place."

The gym is going to include a cardio section, functional area, boxing, a supplement shop and more.

It is important to the pair that everyone is made to feel welcome at the gym.

Mr Kendall said: "A lot of girls feel intimidated when they go into gyms and even just your normal, average gym goers.

"What we want to bring to our place is that everyone is treated the same. We want a real nice feel to the place where everyone feels comfortable, where girls can feel comfortable to come and train without being stared at.

"We just want to bring something very different to Barrow, what we think the town needs."

Jack Burton and Mike Webb from Fit 24, based in Hull, are currently helping to design and fit the gym, ahead of its anticipated opening in January.