RESIDENTS in care homes on Teesside are benefiting from a motivational programme.

Elaine Everett specialises in providing motivation and exercise classes to residents of nursing and care homes to help them to stay mentally and physically alert.

Earlier this year, her company - Motivation and Co - started working on Teesside.

Ms Everett said: "Our programmes have been designed by a team of qualified professional therapists and include challenging, stimulating and motivating recreational techniques which can help residents maintain or improve their emotional and physical well-being.

"Research has demonstrated that gentle exercise and stimulation can have dramatic effects on people aged between 70 and 90, increasing strength and appetite and improving general health, as well as increasing memory and self-esteem.

"There is definitely a demand for the service we offer - we are now running over 50 classes per month in Teesside and I have only been running the business on a part-time basis, as I have other franchisees to look after."

Ms Everett started the company in Tadcaster in 1997 and now oversees franchises in Leeds, Wakefield, York and Kent, as well as Teesside.

Anyone interested in taking over the Teesside franchise, or homes interested in discussing how Motivation and Co could benefit them, can contact Ms Everett on (01937) 557166, The Franchise Company on (01325) 251455 or visit the website www.motivation-and-co.com.