MORE than 70 people took part in a chair-based exercise event at the Villa Marina last month.

The event, organised by the Department of Health, was held to mark the success of the scheme which has been running since 2006.

Michelle Poyzer, senior health improvement officer, manages the scheme.

She explained: "The event at the Villa Marina highlights how important these sessions are to the members of the community - not just to keep our older adults' bodies healthy and maintain their independence but also for the social contact and the positive effect that has on mental health."

The chair-based exercise sessions are free to attend and are suitable for everyone as the pace and exercises can be modified to make them inclusive to all.

The classes will stop over the Christmas period but will recommence in the first week of January.

The timetable is as follows:

Monday: 10.30am – Ramsey Town Hall
Tuesday: 2pm - Sandfield Residents Lounge, Castletown
Wednesday: 10.30am - Westland’s Residents Lounge, Peel
Thursday: 1.30pm – Onchan Youth and Community Centre
Friday: 2pm – Port Erin Methodist Hall and 2pm - Ramsey Methodist Hall

For more information telephone 01624 642668.