A cancer rehabilitation scheme has been quick to ensure its activities carry on during the coronavirus pandemic.

Bridport Stepping Out’s participants are mostly in the vulnerable or shielding categories and face-to-face exercise sessions were stopped in March, but leaders wanted to make sure members did not lose the physical, mental and social benefits it provides during recovery from cancer.

As many activities as possible have been switched to online and, after a couple of trial sessions, classes started in April and have been a great success.

As well as strengthening, flexibility, balance and cardio exercises, participants have taken part in dance, singing, relaxation and Pilates.

The regular classes are run at Bridport Leisure Centre by Jo Perfect and Richard Walsh, who said: “So far, 41 of our members have joined in the online classes on Mondays and Fridays, many of whom live on their own or are not able to go out.

“It has enabled us to keep in touch. We always have a ‘hi’ and ‘bye’ time at the beginning and end of each session so that people hear a friendly voice, or several friendly voices all at once.”

Members of Stepping Out also stay in contact via email, phone and a closed Facebook page. A new website has recently been launched - steppingoutbridport.co.uk - so that potential new participants can learn about the group.

Stepping Out relies on grants, fundraising and donations to run classes, which are free to attend. With fundraising difficult at the present time, the group plans to continue the current classes for as long as possible while looking for more funding.

Referral to Stepping Out is by GP, cancer nurse specialist or other health professional who have Stepping Out referral forms. Completed referral forms can be submitted to project manager Jo at j.perfect@bridportleisure.com

Anyone interested in supporting Stepping Out, or would like to get involved with fundraising, email steppingoutbridport@gmail.com