When Vasanji Lad's parents came to Bradford from Kenya in the 1960s they worked long and hard to forge a new life for their family.

Now they and other Hindu community elders are being rewarded with a new scheme which aims to make their lives in retirement more comfortable.

Members of the Shree Prajapati temple and community centre, in Little Horton Lane, have succeeded in winning £18,000 from the New Deal for Communities regeneration partnership.

The money will pay for staff to run Friday health and fitness sessions for elders. An expert on older people's health will offer Heartsmart advice and yoga will be offered, along with healthy vegetarian food. The sessions have been running since July and attract about 40 people a week, but so far have relied on volunteers.

The cash means a part-time co-ordinator and part-time assistants and cooks can be appointed, and a television, video and exercise mats bought.

At the official launch, Mr Lad said: "Our parents came to Bradford in the 50s, 60s and 70s and in hard times they worked hard to provide a comfortable life and education for us.

"We are grateful for their sacrifices which gave us a good start in life. Our long term plan as an association has been to make life for our elders more comfortable. They often feel isolated and mainstream services do not always cater for members of ethnic minorities."

Councillor Ian Greenwood, local ward councillor and chairman of New Deal for Communities, said: "This is just the beginning of the transformation of this area. Every individual community has needs, and we will ensure every community - not one more than another - gets helped."

He joked he had just turned 50 and was therefore eligible for a place in sheltered accommodation... "which is terrifying to be honest with you."

The health and fitness sessions are open to all local older people and take place from 11am to 2pm on Fridays.