A NEW grant scheme has helped save a vital programme for those recovering from heart surgery.

The £969 grant will mean the survival of an exercise class formed over 20 years ago for those who have undergone surgery for heart complaints, continuing where the six-week rehabilitation exercise class provided by the NHS leaves off.

It is only the second grant provided by Hambleton District Council under its new small grant scheme.

The treasurer of the Northallerton Heart Support Group, Doreen Newcombe, said: “Without the funding the class would have had to close due to financial difficulties, leaving the area without a suitable exercise facility for cardiac patients.

“The class not only provides an essential continuation of the rehabilitation programme but provides vital companionship with others who have suffered similar complaints and helps to decrease the feeling of social isolation, depression and anxiety, which is often a side effect of cardiac problems.”

She added: “We can now pay for a suitable venue and qualified instructor for another year and as we work on the principal that ‘prevention is better than cure,' we encourage others to come along to improve their lifestyle and hopefully avoid the trauma of heart problems.”

The class meets every Tuesday afternoon from 1.45pm to 2.45pm at the village hall in Brompton, Northallerton