RESIDENTS in Burnley are to benefit from a new £1m scheme to promote healthy living.

The Daneshouse and Stoneyholme Healthy Living Centre Initiative will help people find the right path to a health life.

The cash boost comes from the national lottery's New Opportunities Fund which aims to promote healthier lifestyles, improve mental wellbeing and community involvement.

The scheme will include a gym, a sauna and steam room, a healthy eating cafe and a range of complimentary therapies.

The money will go towards the construction of a new building situated opposite Northbridge House and staffing costs to deliver complimentary therapies and fitness instruction.

The scheme is led by Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Primary Care Trust (PCT). The PCT said that in Danehouse the concern of local people is about incidence of diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease and that there needed to be greater awareness of the lifestyle factors which cause these conditions.

The initiative will also tackle substance abuse among young people.