Bolton Arena is helping people with neurological conditions by using sport activity.

Exercise classes for people with neurological conditions take place at Bolton Arena Sports Village every Monday during school term time.

The sessions alternate between seated exercises to music, seated hockey, hand-eye coordination with bean bags, badminton with a balloon, and strengthening upper body one week, followed by a week of circuits, which are a variety of exercises to help hand-eye coordination and balance.

People taking part, who include stroke patients, and those with conditions such as transverse myelitis - inflammation of the spinal cord, ME, MS, and ataxia to name but a few, are encouraged to do as much as they can.

The classes are run by Bolton Neuro Voices (BNV), a charity, that works with five support groups - stroke, ME, MS, Parkinson’s, and motor neurone disease,  and also with individuals with rarer conditions to improve their quality of life.

It provides a range of services including links to statutory bodies, information and access to hydrotherapy sessions in the hydro pool at Bolton One, in addition to the Monday classes, to foster mutual support and reduce social isolation.

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Moyra McDermott, from BNV, said: “The exercise class at the arena has been running about 10 years.

"Numbers fluctuate and we always welcome interest and new people.”

“We just do what we can within our own ability.

"There is no pressure and people sit, rest, and participate as they wish.

"What we all agree on is that it does us good physically, and to meet people and socialise.

"It cheers our spirits and people enjoy coming together for a chat and a laugh.”

Classes run from 11am to 12pm.

For more information, please email moyramcdermott@googlemail.com.