FOLLOWING the success of last year's project, Fortis Living and Malvern Hills District Council is bringing back its Couch to 5K fitness programme.

The programme offers a variety of courses to all Fortis Living residents in the Malvern area.

Caroline Winnall, health and wellbeing co-ordinator at Fortis Living, said: “We are delighted to announce the return of our very popular fitness classes and exercise programmes for our Malvern residents this autumn.

"Inspiring well-being within our communities is an important part of our work and now that the summer holidays are behind us, we’d like to encourage busy mums, dads and carers to join the classes on offer.”

Among the classes are legs, bums and tums on Mondays at 6pm, yoga on Tuesdays at 5.50pm and pilates on Thursdays at 12.30pm, all at the Clarence Park Health and Fitness Suite, Malvern Link.

And on Thursdays at 5.15pm, there will be boxfit at St Mary’s Church, Pickersleigh. None of these courses need booking.

And on Thursdays at 10.30am the Couch to 5km 12-week programme aimed at beginner runners will be held at Malvern Town Football Club. Booking is essential for this.

Matt Kingston, the owner of Clarence Park Health and Fitness Suite, said: “We have worked with Fortis for several years now, helping residents who may have low self-esteem and confidence to take their first steps to a healthier future.”

Rachel Vann, physical activity and well being officer at the district council said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Fortis Living on the Couch to 5km programme.

"It enables us to engage with a wide range of participants, as well as giving Fortis Living tenants the opportunity to take part in a supportive, social and fun programme, that helps to improve their health, fitness and well being."