EVERY week a group of people gather in a Bradford church.

They breathe deeply, while making slow, gentle movements with their arms and hands.

Mostly aged over 50 and from all cultural backgrounds, the group belong to Little Lane Tai Chi Group, who gather in Little Lane Church, Heaton.

The class has been meeting at the church for ten years and live the health-promoting exercise, which began as a martial art in 13th century China. They also love the camaraderie that exists within the group, and welcome new members.

Brenda Thomson, who at 78 is the oldest member of the class, looks forward to it. “We focus on breathing, balance - the Tai Chi stances themselves encourage balance - flexibility and having fun.”

“It refreshes the body through smooth movements and uses stances that allow your muscles and joints to move in harmony.”

Studies have shown that Tai Chi can help older people to improve general mobility, increase muscle strength and reduce stress.”

One group member, who has attended for a number of years, commented: “I have a weak lower back that has caused me pain for most of my adult life. The exercises we do stretch and strengthen muscles and have kept me feeling a lot more supple and flexible, added to which everyone in the group is very friendly and supportive. We have a lot of laughs together.

“I am not a person who likes to exercise and I hates PE at school but doing Tai Chi has shown me how exercise can be beneficial.”

Another says: “When I'm not always able to do all the warm- up exercises, especially those done sitting on the floor, our tutor has shown me how to adapt these while sitting on a chair so I'm getting the benefit of them.”

Group tutor Sebastian Greenfield started in Tai Chi during his last year at university.

He says: “The exercises are physical and mindful and they help you to remove tension from your body. This has an energising effect, but also works to improve balance and posture as well as gently condition.

“The exercises are physical and mindful and they help you to remove tension from your body. This has an energising effect, but also works to improve balance and posture as well as gently condition. We have some fun too.”

The friendly class - which also enjoys days out - unites cultures and ages. Adds Sebastian: “From the beginning the group has strived to achieve this. It’s a wonderful thing to witness and I am very thankful for the part everyone has played in manifesting it. I think a weekly dose of this kind of atmosphere contributes hugely to a higher quality of life.”

*Little Lane Tai Chi Group meets on Thursday mornings from 9.30am to 10.30am at Little Lane Church, Heaton, Bradford BD5 5HD. The class costs £1 per session. For more information contact Brenda Thomson on 01274 542672.