A GROUP of Minehead pensioners brought together by ill health have launched an appeal for a fitness instructor to keep themselves moving - and alive.

Around 24 people from the town have been exercising at a weekly class for the past ten years after being diagnosed with various heart problems.

Initially a specialist cardiac class, in recent years it has simply given its members the chance to throw a few gentle moves, with a cup of coffee afterwards.

Now the class faces losing its instructor and has been told finding a replacement is unlikely.

Spokesman Wendy Sullivan said: "We are a wonderful success story.

"Ten years ago we were all referred by our GPs after having suffered various heart problems.

"And despite some of us having more problems and even surgery, we've always kept exercising.

"It's obviously working because we're all still alive."

In recent years the class was taken on by the leisure trust 1610, which runs the West Somerset Sports Centre in Minehead.

It provides the instructor for the class, which is held in Minehead Barbarians Rugby Club.

But yesterday (Thursday) was the instructor's last day.

Mrs Sullivan said a 1610 representative had suggested alternative classes focusing on tai chi, dance or body sculpture.

"But we don't want anything like that - we're all aged from late 60s to late 80s and all we want is a bit of gentle exercise," she said.

"The weekly class has a real social benefit as well and gives people the chance to get out of the house and meet other people, which can be quite a challenge after you've had something like a heart attack."

Although new members have joined over the past decade, the core group of more than 20 has remained constant.

"It would be so sad if it just fell apart - it's not the same giving people the chance to attend other classes," said Mrs Sullivan.

We just want to stay together doing what we are doing."

She said the group felt so strongly that it had decided to hire the venue itself and launch an appeal to find an instructor.

"We just hope there's someone out there who can help us."

A spokesman for 1610 said it was working with the group to resolve the issue.

"It is often difficult to find fully qualified staff with the experience to teach a group with such specialist health needs but we are looking at providing an alternative venue, possibly at the West Somerset Sports Centre where extra staff support is available, rather than at the current venue at Minehead Rugby Club."

The spokesman said 1610 was launching a new exercise programme designed for the 60-plus age group in West Somerset and was due to meet members of the group yesterday to discuss the programme and help find a satisfactory and alternative solution to the problem.

Anyone who can help the group can contact Mrs Sullivan on 01643 706362.