AN independent gym is marking its first year in business.

The Pride Gym, on Abb Scott Lane, Low Moor, brought an empty, former industrial unit back into use, marking an investment of £100,000 into the area.

Terry Holt, 33, runs the gym with his wife Tanya (pictured above).

He was previously an engineer and spent 11 years in the Royal Air Force (RAF).

It was during his time in the RAF that he began to get into fitness.

When he left, he then got into natural bodybuilding and began to look into the idea of opening his own gym. Reflecting on the first year, Mr Holt said: "It's really good. We've had a really good start, a lot of really good feedback and a lot of new members.

"We've managed to create a really good community feel - most people know each other."

Since the gym opened, around £20,000 has been invested in cutting-edge kit.

The gym has also set up a special system where people can scan QR codes on the machines, where it then takes users to the gym's YouTube channel which has a range of tutorials.

Mr Holt prides the gym on its community ethos, where members help each other out.

"We always try and celebrate people's successes," he said.

The gym is breaking even in its first year and potential plans for expansion are in the pipeline.

"We want to keep getting better," he said.

"We are always looking forward."