APPROVAL has been granted for Galashiels' first 24-hour gymnasium.

Fitness fanatic Daniel Cowe from Chirnside wants to convert a former mill warehouse into a state-of-the-art workout venue.

And this week his change of use application for the unit at Wheatlands Mill was approved by local authority planners.

Planning officer Carlos Clarke stated: "The alternative land use is considered to offer significant benefits to the surrounding area and community that outweigh the need to retain the site in business and industrial use."

Daniel's planned Titan 365 gymnasium will feature a a large free weights section and an extensive amount of pin loaded machines, as well as stretching areas, cardio machines and an Astro Turf area.

He stated: "I hope to create a 24-hour fitness facility that can service the town of Galashiels, all of the local sports teams, the neighbouring towns and the surrounding area.

"I would love to be able to pump some of the fitness world's new life into this often sparse and rural part of the world.

"It's great to see a town growing and becoming an epicentre of activity.

"With the new rail line in place people are coming flooding back to the Borders. I would very much like to be a part of that."

The former mill premises will operate with members using cards for 24 hour access.