FOUR generations of the same family have all discovered the benefits of pilates.

Audrey Royle attends the class at Stokesley Leisure Centre, led by Lisa Brown, along with her daughters - ITV Tyne Tees presenter, Pam Royle, and Linda Parrish. Granddaughters Vanessa and Pippa and great-granddaughter Kristina also joined the classes. Miss Royle, who has been a devotee for six years, said: "The health benefits of pilates are immense. Pilates strengthens your core muscles, improves your posture and prevents injuries and back pain.

"It strengthens your back muscles, improves flexibility, co-ordination and breathing. It’s a great exercise regime to follow. "It helped me to regain strength in my leg after I had an operation to rebuild one of my cruciate ligaments after snapping them both in a skiing accident. "But it is vital to go along to a good teacher and that’s what we have in Lisa. It may look like a very gentle workout but if you are doing it right it is very intense."

Mrs Royle said: "I was advised to start pilates on medical grounds as I have an arthritic spine and osteoarthritis. There are a number of the exercises I am unable to do because of this but Lisa gives me alternatives instead. Pilates has really helped me maintain some flexibility, which is so important as you get older."

Ms Brown has been teaching for seven years and loves to see her students reap the benefits.

She said: "I particularly enjoy teaching Audrey and her family as I can see how much they enjoy it and I have seen marked improvements in all of them as they have progressed through the varying levels."

For more information on pilates contact the centre on 01642-711140.