A GOVERNMENT-funded fitness course is about to begin at a community centre.

Move to Improve is a free ten-week course starting on Friday, from 1pm to 3pm, at the Farringdon Jubilee Centre, Allendale Road, Sunderland.

It is the first to receive funding from the Single Regeneration Budget's (SRB) Opportunity Block, aimed at helping community groups enhance residents' quality of life.

The new £5,000 Farringdon Jubilee Centre, funded by the SRB, Farringdon Community School and the European Union, also holds free courses, including nail art, desktop publishing, sugarcraft and community health matters.

Move to Improve course organiser Brenda Rowell said: "We have received £300 to set up and run the course and £50 for ten exercise mats.

"This funding has proved really worthwhile, as the course is already oversubscribed and we are now considering holding extra evening sessions."

To take part in a course, call 0191-522 8447.