The Newmarket Welcome Project is proving so popular that Anglia Community Leisure is adding an extra session on Tuesday afternoons, starting on 11 May.

The Project aims to get more older people back into exercise by buddying them up with local volunteers of a similar age. A volunteer shows them round the leisure centre answering any questions and they perhaps watch one of the classes in progress. They then have a chat over a free tea or coffee in the Montage Café Bar and are given a free activity voucher to use if they fancy coming back and giving a class a try.

The initial sessions on Tuesday mornings from 8.30am -10.30am have had such an enthusiastic take up that they will be introducing an extra session on Tuesday afternoons from 2.30pm - 4.30pm. People will be able to have a look around, watch the postural stability class and find out more about Easyline, swimming, Gently Does It, Leisure Club, Health Walks and the Aquagym. If they just want to turn up for a free coffee and a chat with like minded people that's ok too! There is also an incentive scheme in place so that any customer who attends 9 paid activities, will be able to claim a free session on their 10th.

A recent new starter on the scheme says: "I was very apprehensive initially because I didn't know what to expect. I thought the Leisure Centre would be full of fitness types but I found it very welcoming. The instructor is marvellous - she makes sure that we are doing it all properly but makes us laugh at the same time! I really feel the benefit from the exercises and it's so nice to get out of the house and meet people. I've got to know the rest of the group now and we have a good chat over a cup of tea after the class."

Kate Tucker, Active Lifestyle Co-ordinator for Anglia Community Leisure, says: "We're really pleased that the scheme has taken off and that so many people are starting to benefit. Our new members have discovered that the leisure centre isn't just full of fit skinny people after all but it is a great place to meet and get fit in relaxed and friendly surroundings."