Southampton Institute hosted an afternoon tea to thank volunteers who took part in an innovative programme to promote the health benefits of physical activity.

Adults with a range of specific or even multiple medical conditions and their student exercise co-ordinators, joined Southampton Institute chiefs and officers from Southampton City Council, who are keen to link up with the Institute by running their own similar programme.

Health and fitness management students, plus sports studies with business students, designed 12-week exercise programmes.

They formed part of a unit called Exercise Management for Special Populations where students learned to adapt physical activity to the needs of adults with a range of medical conditions including Parkinson's disease, osteoarthritis and lower back pain.

Glynis Young, unit leader and fitness management senior lecturer said: "Students gained a great deal of knowledge, confidence and practical experience from working with clients rather than from case studies and simulated situations.

"Clients were coached and had their progress monitored."