An East Molesey care home is celebrating the success of hiring a personal trainer for its elderly residents.

Willowmead care home, in Summer Road, is now visited by fitness expert Amanda Walker three times a week to take residents through fun exercise routines designed to keep their joints moving. Willowmead manager Paula Windmill, said: “Having exciting and stimulating activities is vital at care homes, and these classes are part of that mix – though they are particularly popular.

“It’s not just the fact that they make the residents feel physically better, it’s also great for their mental health too. They get the chance to interact with other residents in a fun and friendly environment – and the staff often join in too.”

Chair-based classes include activities such as stretching, arm-waving and leg-kicking, while some of the more mobile residents march on the spot or do a gentle dance to music by Elvis Presley and The Beatles.

Della Hennessey, one of Willowmead’s residents, said: “I have a room on the top floor, but I always make sure I come down for Amanda’s classes – they are just fun and fabulous.”

Health Survey for Higland research showed only 7% of adults aged 75-plus were getting the minimum recommended levels of physical activity, something Willowmead residents are keen to beat.