ORGANISERS of a running project which combines keeping fit with doing good deeds hope to create the first group of its kind in the North of England in Bolton.

Good Gym is a new concept which features groups of about 30 people meeting up and going for a run, then taking part in a 'good deed' including picking up litter or gardening.

After the run they do about 45 minutes or work in between the running.

There are currently groups in London, Bath and Bristol, but now Rowan Ardill, a director of Bolton Park Run, hopes to bring the idea to Bolton.

He needs 100 people to register their interest online, with almost 40 people already having done so.

Mr Ardill went to London to see for himself what the project involves, and was enthused by what he saw.

He said: "I experienced groups in Hackney and Camden, and took the opportunity to experience it. I had read about it previously and absolutely loved the concept.

"I really want to bring it up North and bring it to Bolton.

"The idea behind it is that it gives more of a purpose when you go out for a run, for people who perhaps don't enjoy going out running alone or going to a gym."

The good deed in the community is pre-arranged by the leader of the run, and Mr Ardill helped to pull out weeds and tidy up estates in London during his trip.

He said: "It's a really good way of motivating people and feel like they have achieved something."

Mr Ardill said that no-one batted an eye lid while they were out in London, but admitted he expected a few funny looks if the Good Gym comes to the streets of Bolton.

He said: "When we did it in London there wasn't much of a reaction, they seem to have a different mentality there, but I imagine there would be in Bolton, and hopefully it would be a positive one."

For more information visit goodgym.org