FITNESS sessions for the over-6os are proving a big hit in St Helens, with more than 3,500 attendances in the Fit Forever scheme's first year of operation.

The men and women who have been attending were invited to a Fit Forever celebration at Langtree Park stadium, where a range of activities - including indoor bowls, new age kurling and table tennis - were on offer.

At the event, Mayor of St Helens, councillor Geoff Pearl, hit the target at an archery and darts tutorial.

Over the last 12 months, St Helens Council's sports development team has been working with colleagues from public health, Helena Homes, Re-New Parr and the healthy living team to engage with men and women aged 60 and over, encouraging them to participate in a health-related project.

Director of public health, Liz Gaulton, who tried her hand at table tennis, said: "Working with our partners to deliver projects like this is just one way to improve the health and wellbeing of people throughout St Helens.

"These fun and informative activity sessions are making a real difference. It's never too late to start being active and improve your health and these activities are a great place to start."

Liz's table tennis doubles partner, St Helens Council's cabinet member for health and wellbeing, councillor Andy Bowden, added: "The Fit Forever project is really having a positive impact. The turn-out to sessions has been incredible but I would like to encourage even more men and women to not let age be a barrier in preventing them staying active."

Fit Forever classes take place across the borough on a weekly basis. To find out more contact Michaylo Fedyk on 675402 or email sportsdevelopment@sthelens.gov.uk