A community can continue to use Kimbolton's swimming pool and take part in strength and balance classes free of charge thanks to £7,500 of funding.

Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) awarded the funding to Kimbolton and Stonely Parish Council as part of the Health Inequalities Project after they completed a consultation within the village.

The parish councils asked residents what they would like to see in the area to address health needs and decided to use the funding to continue offering activities that will improve residents' physical health. 

The "successful" Kimbolton strength and balance class, which combines strength, balance and coordination exercises to target and improve mobility, agility and flexibility, can now continue for free on Thursdays from 11am-12pm.

The Hunts Post: There has been an enthusiastic response from residents attending the Kimbolton strength and balance classes.There has been an enthusiastic response from residents attending the Kimbolton strength and balance classes. (Image: Huntingdonshire District Council)

Clerk to Kimbolton and Stonely Parish Council, Lionel Thatcher, said: "This project is a wonderful way of encouraging people to make the effort and improve their physical activity levels.

"We have been encouraged by the enthusiastic response of those attending and the fact that all are keen to continue to make exercise a part of their lives in future.

"As well as the Strength and Balance class, the District Council's grant has enabled us to hire Kimbolton School's swimming pool each week with the intention of supplying Aqua-fit sessions.

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Open swimming sessions are held at Kimbolton School on Thursdays from 7pm-8pm free of charge whilst they look for an instructor to run a swimming class.

The council aim to train a local Aqua Fit instructor so that the session can transition into a regular Aqua Fit class.

Executive Councillor for community and health, Ben Pitt, said: "The activities Kimbolton and Stonely Parish Council are offering their residents is brilliant to see.

"Strength and Balance classes and swimming are not only a way to improve fitness and mobility, but also provide a social group for those attending.

"I encourage all residents to get involved with the opportunities to keep fit and active. They provide valuable opportunities and support around staying active, independent and healthy."

Kimbolton's Health inequalities Project was funded through Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care System.

To learn more about the Health Inequalities Project, visit the council's website.