RESIDENTS are being urged to take advantage of a whole host of opportunities to get fit - and have some fun.

Hartlepool Borough Council's sports development team is keen for more people to take advantage of its weekly activities programme.

Sessions, for people of all ages and levels of fitness, are held every weekday at venues across the town, making it easy for anyone to take part

The activities include general exercise, resistance training, fit tots, gentle exercise, yoga, badminton and aerobics.

Classes take place at venues such as Belle Vue Community Sports Centre, the Borough Hall on the Headland, Eldon Grove Sports Centre, West View Community Centre, Owton Manor Community Centre, Rossmere Youth Centre and West View Methodist Church.

Sports development officer Adam Reah said: "The weekly activities programme is a long-running and successful initiative that has made it easier for lots of people in many parts of the town to participate in healthy activities.

"Sessions are always well attended, but in most cases we are still able to take more people. I would urge people to come along and try their hands at one or more of our activities.

"As well as enabling people to get fitter and healthier, the sessions are also great social experiences, where people can have a laugh and meet new friends."

Full details of the weekly activities programme, including session dates, times, venues and prices, can be obtained by calling the council's sports development team on (01429) 284050