New programme launched for popular fitness scheme

Hastings suffers from some of the highest levels of obesity in the south east as well as shameful stats for smoking and alcohol abuse among adults.

To counter the obvious effect these problems have on the town's fitness levels, Hastings Borough Council offers subsidised sessions designed at getting people out of the living room and into shape.

And since starting the Active Hastings scheme in 2006, the local authority has seen more than 11,000 locals sign up for sessions '“ not to mention countless others who have taken part in taster classes.

The scheme's new autumn and winter programme got under way this week and there are a host of new activities to try, as well as old favourites like boxing, netball and bums and tums '“ with sessions costing as little as 1.50 for an hour.

Councillor Trevor Webb, head of leisure at the authority, said: "We know that traditional sports and gyms don't appeal to everyone so we are very committed to giving people choices.

"Getting people active, tackling issues such as obesity and heart disease isn't just an added extra, it's a vital service that we provide.

"Active Hastings is a real success story."

The new programme is available to pick up at Hastings Information Centre in the town hall, or you can check out what is on offer online at: www.hastings.gov.uk/active_hastings.