PEOPLE living in a Darlington sheltered housing scheme just can’t sit still – thanks to an exercise class aimed at older people.

Residents at Railway Housing Association-owned Tempest Anderson House, in Brinkburn Road, have been enjoying chair-based exercises provided by Age UK Darlington.

The exercises, which are carried out to music, are designed particularly to improve mobility and coordination. They include stretching, catching a ball, singing and even a game that involves throwing bottle tops at a magnet in the centre of the floor.

The classes have proved a hit among the residents, with up to a dozen people taking part each week.

Resident Ivy Holliday, 81, said: “Being able to do the exercises from the comfort of a chair makes them much easier to do and they are great fun too.”

Ena Cochrane, 90, added: “Everyone has learned the exercises very quickly and we really look forward to learning new ones.”

Age UK Darlington volunteer Sue Laycock, who runs the classes, said: “The exercises help to improve mobility and coordination, but there is also a very important social element to them too.

“By getting people out of their homes we are encouraging them to interact with others and this can be just as beneficial to their health as exercise.”