A FREE fitness programme to encourage Wychavon residents to get fit and healthy this autumn has been announced.

The Fortis Living project, in partnership with Wychavon District Council and fitness facility Metta Box Crossfit Droitwich, begins on Monday, September 11 and will run for 12 weeks.

They are funded by Wychavon District Council as part of its Get Wychavon Active initiative and will be offered to all Fortis Living residents who live in the Wychavon area.

Caroline Winnall, health and wellbeing co-ordinator at Fortis Living said : “Looking after the health and wellbeing of our residents is a key element of our work.

"Our team work closely with our customers to understand and respond to local needs and to help create successful, resilient and healthy local communities.

"This current initiative is all part of our strong social purpose and we would encourage residents to come along and join in the fun!"

Mark Williams, sports development officer for Wychavon District Council said: “We are delighted to be supporting Fortis Living with its health and fitness classes.

"Through this project we hope to make a big difference to residents’ lives from the benefits of physical activity and making healthier lifestyle choices as a result.”

Fortis Living has been working in partnership with the council to help deliver the Get Wychavon Active initiative since July 2014.

Since then more than 19,000 people have taken part in a variety of sporting activities across the district, ranging from bhangra dancing to indoor bowls including 36 Couch to 5k sessions that encouraged 800 previously inactive people to take up running.

As well as offering free community roadshow activities at village fetes and town events, the scheme has provided discounted swimming, gym and fitness sessions at local leisure centres.

The timetable is as follows:

Monday, 6pm - 7pm, yoga - The Rifleman's Arms

Tuesday, 10am - 11am, pilates - Westlands Community Centre

Wednesday, 7pm - 8pm, zumba - Westlands Community Centre

Friday, 10am - 11am, bhangra (adults and children) - Westlands Community Centre; 6pm - 7pm - crossfit - Metta Box Crossfit Droitwich

For further information contact Caroline Winnall on 01905 670258.