BROMSGROVE'S MP has visited a town leisure centre to find out how a lottery grant is being spent on new activities for older residents.

Sajid Javid MP dropped in on the Ryland Centre, in New Road, earlier this month, for a tour and meet some of the participants of new actiivity sessions that had been introduced.

With the support of the centre, Agewell submitted an Awards for All bid to the Big Lottery Fund to develop new physical activity and social sessions for people aged 50 and over.

More than £6,500 was awarded to the project, which introduced new weekly activity sessions including weekly line dancing session, a gentle exercise class, a multi activity session including bowls, badminton and table tennis and a social badminton session.

The aim is to provide opportunities for older people to socialise regularly and take part in new creative, and physical hobbies and interests.

A community garden is also being developed which will feature an allotment area, with a greenhouse, and raised beds for those interested in gardening.

The MP visited the centre with Big Lottery Fund’s chief executive, Dawn Austwick.

"I was very encouraged to hear about the great work Agewell and the Ryland Centre are carrying out in Bromsgrove," the MP said.

“The funding is supporting local people aged 50 plus to enjoy a wider range of activities so they can stay physically active and meet like-minded people.

“It’s good to see a local project benefitting from National Lottery funding and making such a difference in the lives of our friends and family.”

Matt Hill, activities co-ordinator at the Ryland Centre, said: “It was fantastic to welcome the culture secretary and chief executive of the Big Lottery Fund here to see the new activities and meet some participants to hear the difference the funding is making.

"With the addition of these older people’s activities the Ryland Centre provides a full range of active, enjoyable and interesting activities for people of every age in Bromsgrove.”

For more details call 01527 575387 or visit rylandcentre.co.uk.