A SERIES of exercise classes have been arranged by volunteers who have teamed up with their local council and other agencies to launched a tai chi club.

The Wear Valley Tai Chi, Chi Gung Club hopes to encourage more people in the area to take up regular exercise, and believes that the gentle martial art is ideal for all ages and levels of fitness.

The 2D Volunteer Bureau, Wear Valley District Council, Durham Dales Primary Care Trust, Age Concern and One NorthEast are promoting the classes.

Classes now cost £2 for those in employment, and are free to pensioners and people in receipt of benefits.

Volunteer Margaret Taylor, who helped organise the scheme, said: "There are lots of fitness activities for younger people, tai chi offers very effective exercise.

"We have over 100 members just four weeks after starting a pilot scheme."

From mid-January, sessions will be held at Glenholme Leisure Centre, Crook; Elite Hall, Crook; Dorset Place Community Centre, Henknowle; Cornwall Place, Henknowle; Tees Walk Community Centre, Coundon; and the Lightfoot Centre, in Bishop Auckland.

Organisers also plans to work in at least two local schools and a day centre.

To enrol, call (01388) 601640.