EXERCISE is just what the doctor ordered for the patients of two practices in North Yorkshire.

GPs at surgeries in Great Ayton and Hutton Rudby are referring patients to Stokesley Leisure Centre for fitness training, as part of an Exercise by Prescription scheme.

Over the past 12 months more than 115 people have taken part in the scheme, in which they are given a programme of exercise suited to their needs by trained coordinator Jonathan Burrows before attending supervised sessions at the leisure centre.

Paula Ferguson, leisure centre manager, said more people are completing their course of exercise at Stokesley than in any other leisure centre in North Yorkshire.

She said: "When people with a medical condition that could benefit from exercise visit their GP, a course of exercise can be prescribed in much the same way as a course of drugs.

"It is then that Jonathan meets the new patient at the surgery and establishes the sort of exercises that will be of most benefit.

"We try to make things as easy and enjoyable as possible, but the success of this scheme is down to the people taking part for sticking at it and making an important change in their lifestyle."

Exercise by Prescription is also available at Hambleton Leisure Centre in Northallerton and Thirsk Swimming Pool.