A SUCCESSFUL GP exercise referral programme has been helping people in Okehampton with a variety of medical conditions since it started last November.

To take part in the scheme at Parklands Leisure Centre, people need to be referred to the programme by their GP. The user will then meet Emma Bass, the centre's fully qualified personal trainer to discuss setting up a programme to help their condition.

Since the programme's inception, people suffering with diabetes, angina, high cholesterol and high blood pressure have been using the scheme.

Emma Bass said: 'This is a great opportunity for local people who want to make a positive change in their lives with our help and guidance. We've received some fantastic feedback since we launched the programme.

'I have one lady who has fibro neuralgia and was unable to walk her dog without any pain, but after a number of treatments she can walk 20 minutes comfortably.

'I believe it's important to educate local people about our GP referral programme as well as urging more local GPs to think about prescribing exercise instead of drugs.'

The leisure centre has been working with Okehampton Medical Centre and Lifton Medical Centre to sort out referrals. If your GP is based at either of these centres, contact them to find out how the scheme could help you.