KEEP-Fit enthusiasts flexed their abs to give a boost to the Mayor of Durham's charity appeal.

The city's current first citizen, Mary Hawgood, helped found St Cuthbert's Hospice, and she has chosen the hospice to benefit from fundraising throughout her term of office.

Staff at Durham City Council's Meadowfield Leisure Centre held an aerobathon to raise money for the charity.

The event featured three hours of aerobics, pilates, salsa, bums and tums, spinning, step and abs blast.

Centre staff, led by Helen Stockport, gave their time free and the No Angels dance troupe performed a routine to get participants in the mood.

Ms Stockport, the co-ordinator for the five sports centres run by Durham City Council, said: "Seventy-two people took part in the event and everyone enjoyed it. They did aerobics, pilates, salsa, bums and tums, and spinning to name just a few."

The event, the third annual one for the Mayor's Appeal, more than £1,400.