More than 100 Budleigh residents have turned out to choose their preferred design for the town’s new outdoor gym.

Visitors to late night shopping got to vote on three possible designs for the gym, which will be located on The Green, with some fitness equipment also going at Lime Kiln car park.

139 residents of all ages took part, and the winning design received 47 per cent of the vote.

The vote was held by Budleigh Salterton Town Council, which has been working with East Devon District Council (EDDC) and healthcare professionals to provide the facilities using Section 106 money from developers, after residents said they would like to have a gym in an earlier vote.

The result now needs to be ratified by the town council before EDDC releases the £15,000 of available funding.

Town and district councillor Tom Wright, a member of the gym steering group, said: “What came across was the real enthusiasm of those who came out to vote. There was some scepticism that the community was actually going to get what it had asked for.

“They are looking forward with great anticipation to see it happen. Thanks are due to Dr Richard Mejzner, Mark McGlade of Home Instead and Mrs Janice Kitson for their valuable input.”

Fellow town councillor and steering group member Chris Kitson said: “The community have chosen the facilities they need for the town, these will be of benefit to all ages.”

An EDDC spokesman added that progress is also being made on Budleigh’s other chosen Section 106 scheme, a £20,000 cycle path across The Green.