EXERCISE classes for pensioners are using church chairs for cardio and pews for push ups.

The Active Carers exercise classes are run by the Southend Carers team who invite pensioners to take part in a series of sessions based on a chair, allowing them to get moving and keep active as they get older.

The latest class was held at Clarence Road Baptist Church, Southend, led by Anne King, who saw the class through a variety of leg, arm and upper body movements, using exercise sports balls and music.

The class is one of many services offered by the Southend Carers team, who offer support to help carers take care of their loved ones.

The classes and activities cater for younger and older carers, including child carers. The charity was first established in 1999, 20 years ago.

The charity is determined to improve the lives of carers, and its mission is to make a positive difference to their lives, encourage a wider recognition of their caring role; enable them to fulfil their own needs as individuals and offer them innovative support solutions.

The charity and its partners offer practical advice and information; short-break respite; emotional and wellbeing support; social activities, as well as opportunities to meet with other carers.

There are almost 18,000 unpaid carers within Southend. Visit www.southendcarers.co.uk for more information.