More than 100 of Doncaster's more senior citizens are experiencing a new lease of life thanks to weekly trips to The Dome where they enjoy a variety of sports and dance classes to shake off the cobwebs and get active!

The Prime Timer classes, part of mayor Martin Winter's Borough Treasures scheme, give people the chance to play some of their favourite sports every Monday as well as presenting them with the opportunity to try new games and develop new skills, such as Tai Chi and table tennis.

The scheme has been extended until June due to popular demand.
Derek Exley, 82, from Bessacarr, said: "To see so many older people enjoying sports and exercise with smiles on their faces has been great. The Tai Chi has been one of the highlights along with the salsa and line dancing classes."

Barbara McEwen, 63, from Belle Vue, added: "It is such a great day out, with the majority of people trying sports they have never played before or since they were young.

"I have really enjoyed having a go at something new without feeling that the rest of the class were experts."

The Prime Timer activity schedule, developed by The Dome in conjunction with Doncaster Council, Doncaster Primary Care Trust and Age Concern, was initially a two-month programme to promote healthier lifestyles for older people in the borough.

As well as trying out the activities, participants also enjoy a healthy two-course lunch.

Jon Whiteley, The Dome's head of leisure, said: "It shows that given the opportunity, there is a huge proportion of people in Doncaster who love being active and sporty despite having limited chances to do so.
"And Mondays at The Dome have opened up doors for those people to come and get involved in sports and classes that maybe they thought they would never get the chance to take part in again."

For more information call The Dome on (01302) 370777 or visit www.the-dome.co.uk.