A SERIES of exercise stations are to be installed along the path beside the River Tyne before the end of the year.

Ten stations could be created, stretching from to the east of The Maltings to The Sands, aiming to encourage people to do gentle exercises and stretches.

Cara Blair, Community Health and Activity Officer with East Lothian Council, explained how the idea had come about.

She said: “We've been looking at how we can support people who are prone to falls and keep them as active and independent as possible.”

Already, there is a group takes part in light walks around the county to encourage people to remain active

Mrs Blair told the Courier it was felt a logical next step would be to see exercise stations dotted around popular walks, such as the River Tyne.

She added: “We are based in Haddington and I know the path is really well used.

“It is tarmacked and it is somewhere we could put in the exercise stations without encroaching on space.

“We are taking ten strength and balance stations and turning them into exercise stations.

“Each has an A3 sign with a picture and some text explaining what it is about.”

Discussions are also taking place to have a QR code on the sign, which could be scanned by a mobile phone and link to a video showing a person how to carry out the exercise

Four signs explaining the purpose of the route would also be created at the entrance to Neilson Park, at the western end of The Maltings beside the river, near the Aubigny Sports Centre and at The Sands.

The equipment could be in place by the end of the year, with East Lothian Council aiming for a launch event in the spring.

If the project proves popular, it could then be rolled out to other popular walking routes across East Lothian.

She added: “If it is successful we can replicate it in other places.

“It is an easily replicated programme if it works well.”

The idea was also mentioned at Haddington's community council last month.

Paul Darling, who has been involved with the scheme, said funding had come from Paths for All.

Now, talks are under way in a bid to find the remaining funding.

Mr Darling added: “Hopefully, it will give a good avenue for people to get out and do some exercise.”