A GROUP of "over 50s" are celebrating still being able to get physical after the generosity of two York charities saved their weekly keep-fit group.

The group have been put through their paces every week for four years at the New Earswick Folk Hall.

The group got off the ground with two start-up grants, one of £700 from the local ward committee, and enough to buy a radio and 16 exercise mats from New Earswick Parish Council.

But by the end of last year the group had run out of funds and looked set to have run its last class.

In an attempt to keep going, the group elected a fundraising committee, with Digby Watson and Doris Storr given the task of sending out "begging letters". The first set of responses were disappointing, Digby said, with most organisations saying they had exhausted their charity budgets for 2002.

He said: "We didn't feel too hopeful, to be honest. But then out of the blue a letter from the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust turned up with a donation of £1,386. We couldn't believe it. It meant our financial worries were over, all outstanding bills were covered and we could pay the rent on the room we use for a full year. We were happy enough with that. But then, out of the blue, a letter turned up from Help the Aged donating £1,486, which was brilliant. We can't thank both organisations enough. Not only is the group's future secure, we are thinking about investing in some new equipment."

A Help the Aged spokeswoman said: "We are delighted to have been able to help fund this project. Exercise is long proven to be extremely beneficial for the over-50s, particularly in terms of helping hearts and arteries."

The classes are held from 9.30am to 10.30am every Thursday. Sessions cost £2 each. For details phone Digby on 01904 764907.

Updated: 10:04 Tuesday, January 14, 2003