FRIENDSHIP and exercise clubs are being launched to help older people keep active and make friends.

Three clubs are being launched by South Gloucestershire Council in Thornbury, Winterbourne and Stoke Gifford.

The council is working in partnership with the Age UK to provide weekly sessions offering gentle exercise, games and activities and a cup of tea or coffee.

Launching this May thanks to Big Lottery funding, the clubs will be managed by local community groups and coached by instructors with specialist qualifications in exercise and health for older people.

There are now 11 such clubs in the county, which had a total of 5,000 attendances last year.

The Winterbourne friendship and exercise club will take place every Tuesday from 10.30am to 12pm at The Greenfield Centre, Park Avenue while the Thornbury group will meet on Thursdays from 10.30am to 12pm at The Chantry on Castle Street.

There will also be occasional special events such as healthy eating workshops and excursions.

To join in – the first session is free, with just a small charge after – or find out more please call 01454 862296 or visit www.southglos.gov.uk/A4L