The scheme, to provide the over 60s in the town with an outdoor fitness playground, is being masterminded by the Central and Archery Area Panel.

It will offer more mature residents the opportunity to enjoy a gentle workout on a range of specially designed fitness equipment.

Individual fitness stations have names such as: 'surfer', 'space walker', 'body twister', 'skier' and 'horseback rider'.

A two-week period of consultation is underway with information on show at 1 Grove Road and the Archery Youth Club.

If the proposal is agreed the 60+ playground will be located close to the existing play facilities on the Archery Recreation Ground.

The first pensioners playground was installed in Manchester a few months ago.

Sue Parsons, chair of the Central and Archery Area Panel, said, "The equipment will allow people who can't afford an expensive gym membership to safely exercise, have fun and feel much healthier.

"The initial feedback from local people has been very positive and we are very hopeful that installation work can begin in the New Year."

There are four area panels in the town, with Eastbourne Homes supporting their work.

Each group of volunteers has access to an environmental improvement budget that is used to instigate positive changes in the community.

Sue added, "This project has really captured the imagination of the young at heart and I know lots of people in the community who are chomping at the bit ready to have a go."

When asked by the Herald, local senior citizens seemed to embrace the idea of a pensioners playground.

Bob Kellett, 79, of Granville Road, said, "It is a good idea although I already play golf three times a week so get plenty of exercise.

"But with all this business of people becoming overweight it will be good for older people to go there and exercise. It should not just be children who have playgrounds.

"My wife and I both keep very fit, it is keepng us alive."

Kenneth Packer, 65, and Margery Packer, 77, from Mayfield Place, said it would be somewhere for older people to go and socialise as well and the location was very central to the town with good bus access.

Mr Packer said children could use the equipment as well so it benefited the entire community.

Mary Bridger, 79, from Meadowlands Avenue, said, "There are plenty of older people around in Eastbourne so it would be used and any facility you get free is nice.

"They say we have got to stay active and I could have thought younger over-60s could do exercises, I could do things when I was 60 I can't now."

And Maureen Brazier, 86, from Upperton Road, added, "The idea is very unusual but it is a good one because I don't think many older people like me have enough exercise.

"But the fact that it will be free is very important, we have enough to pay for in this town."