ASIAN women are being encouraged to put the best foot forward and take the right steps to good health.

The new initiative has been organised by Bolton Council to tackle the health problems suffered by the town's Asian women.

New figures reveal Asian women in Bolton are 46 per cent more at risk from coronary heart disease, strokes or diabetes than other groups in the local community.

Coronary heart disease specialist, Kalsoom Akhtar, has described Bolton's heart disease and diabetes figures as "alarming" and is now urging more women to come forward to volunteer becoming fitness instructors.

A pilot scheme, called Steps to Health, has been set up by the town hall and is supported by Bolton's doctors, nurses and health care workers.

This involves running exercise classes, held for and by Asian women, which will attempt to encourage healthier lifestyles among those who are culturally sensitive.

Twelve teaching places will be available in January.

The ladies will be taught how to give fitness classes for females in Bolton's harder to reach communities.

Kailash Gandhi, a graduate of the Commonwealth Games Pre-Volunteer Programme, has already stepped forward for the scheme and starts her training in the New Year.

A keep-fit fanatic, Kailash already goes to four aerobic classes a week and language will prove no barrier as she speaks fluent English, Gujerati, Hindi, Italian and Dutch.

Kailish will also learn vital business skills to help her become self-employed.

But Kalsoom Akhtar would like to see more local women involved in the project.

She said: "We would love to train more Asian women.

"We have very alarming figures about the state of women's health among Bolton's Asian community.

"We need to reduce the numbers of people suffering from heart disease and diabetes and one of the best ways is to increase exercise.

"For many Asian women, exercise classes are not culturally or religiously appropriate. We are trying to address this and hopefully more Asian fitness instructors will make an impact."

Those who are interested are asked to contact Kalsoom Akhtar on 01204 360052.