Pensioners are taking a relaxed approach to fitness in a new tailor-made exercise class.

Dorothy Copper, 75, is among older people in Barton, Oxford, learning to stretch their muscles using hula hoops and streamers during the sessions.

The classes, launched in September, are held at Barton Neighbourhood Centre on alternate Thursdays. The next is scheduled to take place on December 6.

Sue Holden, secretary of the Barton Community Association which helps fund the sessions with Oxfordshire County Council, said about 16 elderly people from the estate's Evergreens Club and Townsend House residential care home take part in the session before having tea and cake.

"They love it," she said. "The first couple of weeks they were a little bit apprehensive. They did not know what to expect - I think when we said 'exercise' they thought it would be very energetic.

"You don't have to be standing on one foot and jumping up and down to exercise.

"They start off with very gentle exercises with eye movements. They sit throughout the whole of the exercise programme and it's all done to music. It's based on arms and legs. They work with hula hoops and streamers and some small rubber balls to help flex their hands. It's very effective and beneficial.

"Somebody of 18 would do totally different exercises than someone who's 80."

Mrs Holden added the classes are not just for older people and anyone is welcome.