AN ANCIENT oriental art is helping people keep fit and healthy. A new weekly Tai Chi class has kicked off to give adults over 50 the chance to become more active.

It is held at St Michael's parish centre, in St Michael's Road, Ditton, every Wednesday, from 11am until noon, costing £1.60.

Organiser Mary Lewis said: "We're hoping to encourage more people to join us. It is open to everyone."

It is just one of a range of physical activities throughout Halton, subsidised through the Healthy Living Project.

Lynne Atherton, Halton Council's physical activity co-ordinator, has organised a timetable of activities throughout Widnes and Runcorn as part of the project.

She said: "We have set up a range of activities for all age groups. We run incentive schemes to encourage people to be more active."

A Tai Chi class is held every Tuesday, 10am to 11am, for staff at Halton Carers Centre.

Music exercise classes for people with disabilities, are on Mondays, 10.30am to 11.30am, in Castlefields Community Centre.

A Dads and Kids swim is held on Mondays, 4pm to 5.30pm, for fathers with children under four, at Chesnut Lodge School. A Mums and Kids swim is on Wednesdays, 11am until 12.45pm.

Girls under 14 can do aerobics at the Brook Centre on Thursdays, 4.45pm until 5.45pm, and Short mats bowls is at Grangeway Community Centre on Tuesdays, 1.15pm to 3.15pm.

Lunchtime health walks are also held for council employees at Runcorn Town Hall on Tuesdays at noon.

And yoga for older adults is held at Castlefields Community Centre on Thursdays, 11.15am to 12.15pm.

For details of other sessions, information and suitablity, contact Lynne Atherton 0151-424-2061 ext 4083.