AN exercise group for adults in Masham is fighting fit thanks to support from North Yorkshire County Council and its partners.

Members of the authority an exercise session of the Keep Moving Masham group to see for themselves how the group is thriving and to thank the volunteers that run it for their efforts.

The group came into being after funding for the Masham "Fit 4 Life" programme ended in 2016. Members wanted to take on the running of the class themselves, so went to Stronger Communities, the county council’s initiative to help communities play a greater role in delivering services.

Local county councillor Margaret Atkinson gave funds from her locality budget to cover the group’s costs for 12 months. They also receive support from North Yorkshire Sport and leaders received training and advice on the equipment to buy.

Cllr Atkinson said: “They asked for help and I was able to give them money to keep them going. It is making people a lot fitter. Some say they can’t believe how much difference it is making to them."