A DARLINGTON women-only fitness centre is running an exercise scheme for youngsters concerned about their health and fitness.

First Step 2 Fitness launched the initiative in February after figures released by the Department of Health showed more than 8.5pc of six-year-olds and 15pc of 15-year-olds in England were classified as obese.

Sue Spinks, of First Step 2 Fitness, said: "So many of our members commented on the fact that their kids don't get enough exercise. We decided that we needed to do something about it."

Staff at the fitness centre have also been specially trained in child exercise.

Joint owner Karen Kenney added: "The fitness programme gives our members' children the opportunity to exercise safely under the guidance of properly-trained experts. Their mums also get peace of mind knowing where they are and that they are doing something proactive.

"The classes are going very well and are designed in a way where the children don't even realise they are exercising. We skip, jump, hop and play games."

The classes run every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday between 4.30 and 5.30. For more information call 01325 360040.