A couple with a passion for fitness have set the bar high to raise £65,000 to help make their dreams of opening a gym in Ottery a reality.

Sidmouth Herald: Dexter Vittle and his partner Meghan Edwards are looking to set up a gym in Ottery.Dexter Vittle and his partner Meghan Edwards are looking to set up a gym in Ottery. (Image: Archant)

Dexter Vittle and his partner Megan Edwards are looking to open a new facility called The Bar in the Finnimore Industrial Estate later this year.

As part of their plan, the couple have launched a Crowdfunder as a way to attract potential investors to secure the final bit of backing to open the premise.

The page is ‘all or nothing’ but Dexter said interested investors are encouraged to get in touch to find out more about the business plan. The couple are pursuing all avenues to secure the final amount.

The pair, who served in the army, have maintained their fitness levels since leaving the forces and want to bring the community together to achieve their fitness needs.

Dexter, who served in the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers (REME) for seven years, said their premises would aim to provide knowledge, heavy duty equipment and a place for all ages and abilities.

Both are qualified personal trainers and live in Sidmouth with their three-month-old daughter Belle.

Dexter, 30, said: “I would love to own my own business and to own my own gym is one of my ambitions that I need to master.

“We hope to raise £65,000 to build a gym in an area crying out for a new facility. Both my partner and I are ex-army and aim to educate the local community on the benefits of exercise and help them meet their individual goals. We have a property which a lease is almost complete. This funding will give us the last thing needed to move forward.”

Dexter said the Finnimore Estate was an ideal location as it was accessible by car and by foot.

The couple would also look to offer a number of tailored classes such as women- only or age and ability focused to help people feel comfortable using the facilities.

Dexter, who himself has had two hip operations, said: “People are crying out for a new facility. We are never going to cater for everyone but we are going to do our best to provide for individual need. As long as we can live, pay our rent, insure the car and other costs. We need to make sure we have money to live as well as run a business.”

To find out more about the gym visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/the-bar-1