TAKING up sport after a gap of four decades has brought out the competitive spirit in a group of people aged from 50 upwards.

The sporting group visit Spectrum Leisure Complex, in Willington, twice a week to prove that age is no barrier to keeping fit and having fun.

They have all joined Wear Valley District Council's Pals (Physically Active for Life Seniors) programme, which is based at the leisure centre on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Badminton, yoga, fencing, aerobics, curling and other sports are on offer and there is also the chance to join in organised walks and visits, such as a recent trip to the Killhope Lead Mining Centre.

The council has stepped up the programme through the Chance to Live campaign it sponsors in partnership with The Northern Echo, The Durham Dales Primary Care Trust and Northumbrian Water.

This encourages people of all ages to fight heart disease by taking more exercise and adopting healthier diets. Some Pals members are aiming to get fit to tackle the Great North Walk being promoted by the campaign, at Wolsingham, on July 13.

Pals programme manager Kevin Peart, the council's activities and events officer, said: "Some of the people who come along haven't played sport since they were at school.

"They soon get back into it and there is some fierce competition as well as plenty of fun."

Contact Mr Peart on (01388) 765555, extension 259, or ask at reception at any council leisure facility.