RESIDENTS and staff at a Latchford care home have cycled 60 miles to raise awareness of the benefits of exercise for the elderly.

A three-hour cycle saw residents, staff and relatives at Belong Warrington Care Village on Loushers Lane cycled a combined 60 miles to encourage elderly residents to keep active as well as to raise funds for the home.

Taking place in the care home’s exercise studio, the fundraiser was beamed live to other care homes in Crewe, Macclesfield and Atherton, who were taking part in similar cycles, via Skype.

Lead exercise instructor Barbara Tait said: “Maintaining an active lifestyle is important at all stages of life, but many people underestimate how much exercise can benefit the wellbeing of older people.

“As a low-impact activity cycling puts very little pressure on joints or muscles and has been proven to lower blood pressure and improve sleep patterns and mood amongst a number of other things.

“It was brilliant to see so many residents getting involved and I think I can say on behalf of all villages that a lot of fun was had by all.”