FIT over-50s are celebrating thanks to a £2,550 cash boost for their Health Through Activity Group.

The grant will pay for new equipment and help fund fun fitness sessions for the members, who meet weekly at the Neighbourhood Centre, St Paul's Road, in Middlesbrough.

Members can take part in short tennis, basketball, line-dancing, carpet bowls and kwik-cricket. After the fitness sessions group members enjoy a cup of tea and a chat. The group also arranges social outings for members.

The group, which is supported by West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust (WMNT) and the Retired Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP), secured the funding from Tees Valley Community Foundation.

Carol Reynolds, development manager for RSVP in Middlesbrough, said: "The Health Through Activity Group is really popular, so this grant means the world to us - we know we can keep the group running and fund more activities for our over-50s."

Joan Ford, chairman of WMNT, which manages the £52m New Deal for Communities programme, said: "The grant was a real boost, as it is vital that groups like this keep going. It gives residents the chance to keep fit, stay healthy and meet new friends while they have fun."

Support to secure the funding came from WMNT and Tees Valley Tomorrow, which helped with the application.

The group meets each Friday from 10am to 11.30am.

For more details, call the group's chairman, Norman Dickinson on (01642) 897313 or Carol Reynolds on (01642) 231560.