AEROBICS coaches showed off their skills to promote a forthcoming charity aerobathon.

Five coaches donned uniforms and performed a spectacular routine to promote the aerobathon taking place at Sherburn Leisure Centre on Saturday, May 25, from 10.30am to 1.30pm.

The team - Jane Nicholson, Lesley Charman, Lesley Ridley, Deborah Mayhew and Gillian Chaplow, all from Durham City Council leisure centres, were joined by ten more coaches providing their services free, at Abbey Sports Centre.

The event, organised to raise money for the Mayor of Durham's Appeal, will be divided into six, half-hour sessions including step aerobics, aerobics, cardio kick and abs blast.

It will be open to everyone, and sponsor forms are available from Durham City Council's five leisure centres.

A year's membership for Sherburn Leisure Centre is on offer for the person raising the most money.

Spot prizes will include a haircut and blow dry from Sherburn Hill Barber Shop, 80 minutes of tanning at Tonia Tan, toiletries and a clock, and a free creche will operate at the leisure centre throughout the event.

Organiser Helen Stockport said: "I really wanted to get all our centres and coaches working together, and an aerobathon is a fantastic way to raise money for a good cause and have a great workout."

Ms Stockport, who is expecting a baby in July, so cannot take part, hopes to make it a regular event.

Anyone wishing to participate can contact Kay Smith on 0191-372 1121 or Helen Stockport on 0191-383 1199 for more details.